A devastating fire at a popular Bangkok pub called Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao in the Chatuchak district has left at least 27 people dead and dozens more injured, according to Thai authorities. Emergency services were called to the scene at around midnight local time on Monday, July 13, 2026. Fire crews arrived to find an intense fire tearing through the front of the building as panicked customers tried to escape.
Victims Trapped in Toilets
Thick, black smoke quickly engulfed the venue, and officials said many of those who died were trapped in the pub's toilets as they attempted to flee. Emergency crews and firefighters had the blaze under control within about 35 minutes. Thailand's Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, visited the scene soon after to assess the damage and confirm the preliminary death toll. Those who survived but suffered serious burns and smoke inhalation were taken to nearby hospitals.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have opened an investigation to determine what caused the fire. The public has been asked to ring a hotline if loved ones are unaccounted for, as reported by Sky News. Friends and relatives of anyone thought to have been at the pub are being urged to call an emergency hotline, according to Thai outlet Thai Rath. The report says people should contact officials if they suspect any relatives have been at the entertainment venue and cannot be contacted, or if they believe the relatives may have visited this venue.
Possible Electrical Fault
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has given further detail about what happened in the moments before the fire took hold. The Associated Press reports he said a musician performing at the venue told him they noticed smoke coming from a circuit breaker near the stage. Charnvirakul said the electricity then failed and a blast was heard, before dense smoke quickly spread through the building. He added that many of those who died were found in the bathrooms at the rear of the pub.
