The death toll following a massive fire at a bar in Bangkok has risen to 30, with more than 70 people injured and 24 still in critical condition, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The blaze ripped through the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar in northern Bangkok on Sunday night, marking the Thai capital's deadliest fire in 17 years.
Investigation Underway Into Cause and Safety Compliance
An investigation is ongoing into the cause of the fire and whether the business was adhering to safety regulations. Police reported that most of the victims were found trapped in windowless toilets, where they may have sought refuge from the flames. The bar, which describes itself as a brewery or beer hall, claimed to accommodate up to 600 customers, though the number present at the time of the fire remains unclear.
City-Wide Safety Review Ordered
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced on Tuesday that he has ordered a sweeping survey of similar establishments across the city to assess risks. He stated that enforcement of existing laws will be stepped up to improve safety standards. The tragedy has prompted calls for stricter fire safety measures.
Amorn Pimanmas, president of the Thailand Structural Engineers Association, noted outside the bar that while he had not inspected the venue, he observed potential risk factors such as the building being enclosed with low ceilings. He suggested that foam used for decoration may not have been flame-retardant treated, and combined with limited ventilation, smoke would accumulate quickly, creating toxic air that could be the main cause of death.
Pimanmas also revealed that the bar was licensed as a restaurant with a live music venue, not as an entertainment venue, because it was located outside designated zoning for such businesses. This exempted it from stricter fire safety requirements. He called for a revolution in fire safety procedures and stricter law enforcement, stating: "There must be some kind of revolution regarding fire safety procedures, and I think law enforcement is also very important. It’s not that we don’t have the law but it’s the problem of how the law could be strictly enforced from now on."
Mourners Pay Tribute
Growing piles of flowers and handwritten messages in Thai, Korean, and other languages have been left at the scene, expressing condolences to the victims. The fire has shocked the nation and raised urgent questions about safety standards in entertainment venues.
