I thought we’d grow old together, says band leader whose girlfriend died in Thai bar inferno
I Thought We'd Grow Old Together: Band Leader's Tragedy After Girlfriend Dies in Fire
I thought we d grow old together - Athipat Wichan, the charismatic frontman of Thai indie band Thotsakan, shared a deeply personal reflection on the moment he thought they’d grow old together, following the devastating fire at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao in Bangkok. The incident took the lives of Nahathai Satjalert, his partner and lead singer, and four other bandmates, leaving him to grapple with the loss of those he had envisioned sharing a lifetime with. “I thought we’d grow old together,” he said in a BBC Thai interview, his voice heavy with sorrow as he recounted the chaos that unfolded during the disaster.
A Harrowing Escape
The tragedy began backstage as Athipat fine-tuned the band’s latest arrangement, unaware of the impending danger. A sudden inferno erupted on stage, engulfing the venue in seconds. Witnesses described the smoke as thick and suffocating, with flames rapidly spreading through the bar. “I almost didn’t make it out in time,” Athipat recalled, emphasizing the urgency of the moment. His girlfriend, Nahathai, was among those who perished, her absence leaving an indelible mark on the band’s remaining members.
"The fire was so fast—it felt like a nightmare that wouldn’t end."
Band Members and Partners Lost
Thotsakan, a group of 11 musicians, faced an unimaginable loss as the fire claimed 33 lives and injured 15 others. Among the victims were Nahathai, Thitiwat Kaewkanha, Pruttipong Phutmon, and Nathaphat Thammanitha—each a vital part of the band’s identity. Nahathai, not only the lead singer but also Athipat’s partner, was remembered for her vibrant spirit and shared vision for the future. “I thought we’d grow old together, her scolding me until we were old,” Athipat said, struggling to process the reality of their separation.
"I can’t hear her voice anymore. It’s like a part of me is gone."
Chaos and Memories
Chanate Trasing, the band’s guitarist, described the panic that gripped the venue as the flames surged. “The last thing I saw before leaping off stage was the smiles of bar-goers enjoying our music,” he recalled, highlighting the contrast between the joy of performance and the terror of the fire. The smell of burning plastic and the sting of smoke in the air were vivid reminders of the danger, with some fans mistaking the smoke for dry ice at first.
"It stung my nose and made me realize how quickly everything could disappear."
A Band on the Brink
Athipat, who suffered burns to his head and arms, expressed deep regret over the loss of his bandmates. Nathaphat, the drummer, had joined just a month earlier, while Pruttipong was preparing to leave the group. “We had planned to celebrate my birthday on Sunday,” Athipat said, his voice breaking as he spoke of the unfulfilled promise of time together. The tragedy not only ended their careers but also shattered the hopes of a future they once imagined as a shared dream.
Call for Improved Safety
The fire has sparked a renewed focus on safety measures in Thai entertainment venues, with critics pointing to locked doors and unclear emergency exits as contributing factors. Athipat, now a survivor, said he would never step on stage without feeling the weight of the disaster. “If I or anyone from my band steps on stage now, we’ll think of the fire and feel uneasy,” he noted. Authorities are under pressure to review fire safety protocols, especially in venues hosting live performances, to prevent such tragedies in the future.
"We need stricter standards. This could have been avoided if we were better prepared."
Legacy of Loss
As the band mourns, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety in public spaces. Athipat, who founded Thotsakan at 20 inspired by the Ramakien epic’s antagonist, has seen his vision for the future tested. Despite the tragedy, he remains determined to keep the band alive, carrying Nahathai’s memory with him. “I thought we’d grow old together,” he repeated, a silent vow to honor her and the others who were lost. The band’s resilience in the face of such grief underscores the enduring power of music and love in overcoming even the darkest moments.