The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration was this week ordered by the Central Administrative Court to pay THB3.4 million in compensation to the families of 12 Santika Club fire victims.
The sum total, however, is only equivalent to 20 per cent of what the CAC believe the families of the deceased should be provided, the Nation reported.
The 12 plaintiffs are expected to receive individual payments somewhere in the region of THB68,000 to THB740,000.
The tragic incident occurred amid New Year celebrations at the Ekkamai-based Santika Club in 2009, when a fireworks display sparked the blaze, killing a total of 67 people and injuring an additional 222. Casualties included British, Dutch, American, Singaporean and South Korean nationals.
The limited number of fire exits was highlighted as a key factor in the partygoers inability to flee the nightclub.
While no BMA officials were present at Wednesday’s hearing, Deputy Bangkok Governor Malinee Sukvejvorakij told the Nation that the BMA will naturally lodge an appeal.
“We understand the victims’ losses and really want to help. However, at this point, we need to proceed in line with legal procedures. Without an appeal, the BMA might face a probe by the Office of the Auditor-General,” she said, adding that the BMA will refuse to pay any compensation unless requested by the Supreme Administrative Court.
Santika Club owner Wisuk Setsawat was sentenced to a three year prison term for negligence last year, however, he remains on bail pending a final verdict on his appeal.
