Mountain B Pub Owner Sentenced to Five Years for Deadly 2022 Fire

Mountain B Pub Owner Sentenced to Five Years for Deadly 2022 Fire

Pattaya, Thailand – The owner of the infamous Mountain B nightclub has been sentenced to five years and four months in prison following the devastating 2022 fire that claimed 26 lives and left multiple partygoers and workers injured.

Tragic Fire at Mountain B Nightclub

The Mountain B fire was one of the most shocking incidents of 2022, drawing nationwide attention. The tragedy occurred at 12:45 AM on August 5, when a blaze broke out on the ceiling above the stage during a live music performance. The fire quickly spread due to the presence of flammable acoustic foam, making it difficult to control.

Firefighters arrived with over 20 firefighting vehicles, but due to the highly combustible materials, it took them more than two hours to contain the blaze. At the time of the incident, over 100 people were inside the venue. However, escape routes were limited, as the nightclub had only one functioning exit. Two additional doors in the staff area were either locked or blocked, preventing a swift evacuation.

Of the 26 victims, 14 died at the scene, while the rest succumbed to injuries in hospitals. Among those who perished was the pub’s singer, who had been performing when the fire broke out.

Legal Action and Sentencing

On March 18, 2025, renowned lawyer Ronnarong Kaewphet revealed the latest court ruling in the case. The Pattaya Provincial Court handed down prison sentences and fines to four individuals involved in the tragedy:

1. Pongsiri “Sia B” Panprasong (Mountain B owner)

   • Sentence: 5 years, 4 months in prison
   • Fine: 133,000 baht

2. Anonnart “Fern” Panprasong (Sia B’s wife)

   • Sentence: 10 years in prison
   • Fine: 266,000 baht

3. Somyot “Sia Yot” Panprasong (Sia B’s father)

   • Sentence: 10 years in prison
   • Fine: 266,000 baht

4. Unidentified Electrician

   • Sentence: 5 years, 1 month in prison
   • Fine: 125,000 baht

Initially, Sia B faced 10 years in prison, the same as his wife and father, but his guilty plea reduced his sentence to five years.

Compensation and Further Legal Actions

Families of the victims had earlier received 150,000 baht in compensation while the case was under review. However, the court has now ruled that compensation amounts will range from 2 million to 5 million baht per victim.

While welcoming the court’s decision, lawyer Ronnarong announced that he would continue legal action against government officials who allowed the pub to operate without proper safety measures or permits. He argued that their negligence contributed to the tragedy and must be held accountable.

The defendants still have the right to appeal the ruling, potentially seeking sentence reductions or changes in compensation obligations. Ronnarong is currently reviewing the 150-page court decision to determine possible next steps.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety regulations, especially in Thailand’s bustling nightlife scene, where past tragedies have led to repeated calls for stricter enforcement of safety measures.