An explosive fire at a popular pub in Bangkok has killed at least 27 people and left 22 others in critical condition, marking one of the deadliest such incidents in the Thai capital in recent years. The blaze erupted around midnight at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in the Chatuchak district, a suburb known for its weekend markets popular with tourists.
Rapid Spread and Obstructed Exits
According to officials, the fire started at the front stage section of the pub and spread rapidly, filling the venue with smoke. Survivors reported that many patrons fled to the back near the bathrooms. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said investigators would examine whether emergency exits may have been obstructed, potentially making evacuation more difficult. “We need to wait for forensic investigators to examine the scene more closely,” he stated. The disaster administration’s initial assessment suggested an electrical short circuit in an air conditioner in the ceiling caused the fire.
Casualties and Injuries
At least 63 people were injured, said Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of Bangkok’s disaster administration. Of those, 22 remain in critical condition. The governor noted that the pub owner was inside when the fire broke out and is receiving medical treatment in hospital. Distraught families gathered at the police morgue to identify bodies; staff believe most victims were Thai nationals aged 25 to 50.
Eyewitness Accounts
Kan Kutirat, a Laotian tourist, told Agence France-Presse he “heard loud screaming from a lot of people inside – chaos happened.” He shared a video showing patrons with shirts ablaze fleeing into the street as flames surged out the door. The Thai band Tossakan was performing when the fire started; their lead singer was killed, and the drummer is in serious condition. The band’s bass player, Anan Prasert, escaped through the front doors after smelling something wrong. Usa Tadsree, 40, who stepped outside to smoke, lost two friends and a third is critical.
Response and Investigation
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the site early Monday, noting based on survivor accounts that the pub rapidly filled with smoke. Body camera footage from emergency workers showed firefighters searching through darkened remains with torches; victims lay near the toilets. The fire-damaged main room still had bar tables and stools visible. On Monday, locals paid respects outside the barricaded venue.
Past Tragedies
Thailand has seen similar disasters. In 2022, a fire at a music pub in the east killed 14. In 2009, a New Year’s Eve fire at the Santika nightclub killed 66 and injured over 200, sparked by an indoor fireworks display.
