Nahathai 'Breeze' Satjalert, the beloved vocalist of Thai indie band Tosakan, was confirmed as a victim of the deadly fire that ripped through the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in Chatuchak district of Bangkok on Sunday, July 12. The band's drummer Bew and keyboardist Kwang were also among the 30 people who died in the blaze.
Boyfriend Confirms Death
The news was confirmed by her boyfriend, singer and band leader Athipat 'Ice' Wijarn. In a TV interview with Thai talk show Hone-Krasae, he said: 'The sight of my girlfriend’s body being carried out, the sight of my friend who was burned in the fire and everything that happened are still etched in my mind.' He admitted he tried to revive Breeze by giving her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when her body was brought outside, but it was too late.
Band on Stage When Fire Broke Out
Several members of the 11-person band, who play Thai and international cover songs, were onstage when the fire broke out at around 11pm. 'Our keyboard player spotted the smoke first and shouted at me to run. When I realised there was a fire, I could smell smoke... I shouted for my girlfriend (Breeze), but then the power went out,' Athipat reflected.
'I felt terrible,' he added, admitting he regretted not telling patrons to evacuate at the first sign of fire. He explained the venue had previously had issues with power outages due to electrical problems, so he had assumed it was just another power glitch.
Deadliest Fire in Thailand Since 2009
Firefighters were called to the scene just after midnight, where they found patrons fleeing through the flame-enveloped front door. It was the deadliest fire in Thailand since a blaze tore through Bangkok's Santika club during New Year celebrations in 2009, killing 67 people and injuring more than 200.
National police chief Kitrat Panphet said his investigators were hoping to speak to the owner of the bar, who is currently in intensive care. 'Most of the people who died were found in the toilets. When the fire broke out, they panicked. There were no lights,' he told reporters.
Breeze's Background
Breeze originally came from Roi Et province and had been performing in local venues from a young age. She had moved to Bangkok to further her career. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians across Thailand.
