Bangkok: What began as a regular night out in Bangkok ended in unimaginable tragedy after a massive fire tore through a packed pub, killing at least 27 people and leaving dozens of others injured. The blaze broke out late Sunday night at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in the city’s Chatuchak district, sending panicked customers scrambling for safety as thick smoke engulfed the building.
Thai authorities said at least 63 people were taken to nearby hospitals, with more than 20 of them in critical condition. Emergency crews worked through the night to rescue survivors and recover victims, many of whom were found inside restrooms where they had apparently taken shelter after being unable to reach the exits.
Witnesses recalled a scene of complete chaos. Several people reported seeing smoke rising near the stage moments before the electricity suddenly went out. In the darkness, an explosion was heard, followed by flames that spread rapidly through the venue. As visibility disappeared, customers struggled to find escape routes, while others attempted to help those trapped inside.
Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within about half an hour, but by then much of the damage had already been done. Officials believe many of the victims died from smoke inhalation rather than burns, highlighting how quickly toxic smoke filled the enclosed space.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the site soon after the incident, expressing condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He said authorities would conduct a thorough investigation to determine exactly what caused the fire and whether all safety regulations had been followed.
Investigators are examining early reports suggesting the fire may have started near an electrical circuit breaker close to the stage. While the pub reportedly had the required operating licence and designated emergency exits, officials are also looking into whether blocked escape routes, overcrowding or the building’s layout contributed to the high death toll.
Outside hospitals and the damaged venue, anxious relatives waited for updates as officials worked to identify victims. A registration centre has been set up to help families locate missing loved ones, while forensic teams continue their work.
The tragedy has once again put the spotlight on fire safety in Thailand’s entertainment industry. The country has witnessed several deadly nightclub fires over the years, including the Santika Club disaster in Bangkok in 2009 and another fatal blaze at a nightclub in Chon Buri in 2022. Sunday’s incident is likely to intensify calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety standards at public venues.
Authorities have cautioned that the number of casualties could change as the investigation continues and several critically injured victims remain under medical care. Officials are expected to provide further updates once the cause of the fire has been conclusively established.
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