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Officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation placed the death toll at 27 with another 63 people hospitalised including 22 in critical condition following the blaze that broke out shortly before midnight. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul who visited the scene confirmed the figures and said the incident required a thorough investigation by forensic officers. The fire spread rapidly through the popular entertainment venue filling it with thick smoke and cutting power as patrons struggled to escape.
A musician performing at the time reported seeing a fire at a cutout switch near the stage before the power went out then an explosion was heard and thick smoke quickly filled the place according to the prime minister. Many patrons reportedly fled toward the toilets at the back of the venue where they were overcome Reuters reported from the scene. Obstructed emergency exits hindered escape and contributed to the high casualty count the news agency added.
Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom said he arrived on the first fire truck to see the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub alight with many patrons stranded inside several of them trying to escape from the back. The blaze reported around 11:57 p.m. local time on July 12 was brought under control within 30 minutes by responding crews an AFP account from the site noted. An AFP journalist saw several body bags on the ground outside the bar and restaurant early Monday morning while dozens of emergency service workers remained active.
BBC News video titled Watch: At the scene where Bangkok’s deadly bar fire unfolded showed South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head at the location in Chatuchak district assessing the aftermath. The area is known for its bustling weekend market that draws large crowds to nearby nightlife spots multiple outlets reported. Preliminary investigations pointed toward a possible electrical short circuit in an air conditioner though the prime minister said no official cause had yet been determined.
Suriyachai Rawiwan director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation detailed that all injured had been transported to hospitals across the capital for treatment of smoke inhalation and burns. City governor Chadchart Sittipunt informed reporters that 22 of the injured were in critical condition as of Monday. The incident ranks among the deadliest fires at an entertainment venue in Bangkok in recent years according to regional media including The Straits Times.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into both the fire’s origin and the venue’s safety compliance including exit accessibility the prime minister announced at the scene. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation continues to coordinate with forensic teams examining the site. Witnesses and survivors provided additional statements to investigators throughout the day.
