Bangkok Pub Fire Claims 27 Lives, Police Probe Potential Negligence

An explosive fire at a pub in Bangkok, Thailand, resulted in the deaths of 27 individuals and left dozens injured, authorities reported on Monday. The incident occurred at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub, where police are investigating potential negligence, including obstructed emergency exits, as patrons attempted to escape the flames.

Incident Overview

Video footage verified by Reuters captured the chaotic scene around midnight on Sunday, showing thick smoke billowing from the pub as flames erupted from a doorway. Eyewitnesses reported that many customers were screaming and scrambling to flee the burning venue.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the site early Monday, indicated that most victims had sought refuge in the back of the building, where they found no clear fire exit. Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of Bangkok’s disaster prevention and mitigation department, confirmed that 63 people sustained injuries, with 22 classified as critically injured.

The pub is situated at a busy intersection in northern Bangkok, easily accessible via urban rail systems and close to shopping malls, cinemas, parks, and the popular Chatuchak weekend market. The area is known for its vibrant nightlife, particularly on weekends.

Investigation into Causes

Initial assessments by the city’s disaster administration suggested that an electrical short circuit in a ceiling air conditioner may have ignited the fire. Authorities are also examining potential issues related to fire exits, overloaded wiring, and the use of flammable materials during renovations aimed at enhancing sound quality.

National Police Chief Kittiratt Phanphet stated that negligence is currently the primary focus of their investigation.

Eyewitness Accounts

Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom, who was among the first responders, described arriving to find the pub engulfed in flames, with many patrons trapped inside. He noted that the smoke was pervasive, and most survivors were struggling to breathe due to smoke inhalation. Body-camera footage from emergency workers revealed firefighters using oxygen masks to navigate the darkened interior in search of victims.

Rescue teams discovered several individuals near the pub’s toilets, where many had sought shelter. Chakrit reported that many were attempting to escape to the back of the venue after noticing flames at the front.

In the early hours following the fire, forensic teams began their investigation as numbered bodies lay awaiting removal. Firefighters remained at the scene, where the pub’s exterior was charred and blackened.

Sukanya Wongwongwai, who was searching for a missing friend, recounted the chaos inside the pub. Her friend, who was performing on stage, reported initially smelling something burning before seeing flames erupt from the ceiling. Sukanya noted that some patrons were injured by debris from the ceiling, which was reportedly made of foam material designed to absorb sound.

History of Fire Safety Issues

Thailand has a troubling history of fires in entertainment venues, where fire safety inspections are conducted but often not adhered to by owners. In 2022, a nightclub fire in Chonburi claimed 13 lives, while a 2009 blaze during a New Year celebration in Bangkok resulted in 65 fatalities. Investigations into these incidents revealed that corruption and safety violations were significant contributing factors.

City authorities confirmed that Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao held a license as a restaurant and live music venue and had passed an inspection in April, which ensured that fire exits, emergency signage, and fire extinguishers were in place.

The governor’s office announced plans to examine the pub’s ceiling materials, decorations, and indoor equipment, as well as the possibility that furniture obstructed exits. During a site inspection, Prime Minister Anutin was informed that a door previously designated as an exit had been bolted shut, with the owner fearing that patrons might leave without settling their bills. Anutin remarked that had patrons been aware of the door’s existence, it could have facilitated their escape.

According to survivor accounts, officials believe the fire may have originated at the front stage area and spread rapidly, compelling many to retreat to the back, where the kitchen and bathrooms are located. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt indicated that two fire exits existed, but one was obstructed by beer crates, while a table blocked the other.

As reported by www.arnnewscentre.ae.

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Published on 2026-07-12 23:35:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk