A devastating fire in a Bangkok bar has resulted in 27 fatalities and multiple injuries, prompting investigations into safety standards.
A fire in a bar located in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district has left at least 27 people dead and eight critically injured. The blaze broke out just after midnight on Monday, prompting hordes of patrons to flee as flames engulfed the premises. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the fire began near the bar’s stage area and escalated rapidly. Video footage shared on social media platform X captured the urgent scene as people escaped amidst chaos, many appearing visibly distressed.
Firefighters were alerted to the emergency shortly following midnight, after a passerby observed the flames around 11:30 PM local time. One witness, who spoke to the Daily News, recounted breaking windows to assist two individuals trapped inside.
The official cause of the fire is currently under investigation, as confirmed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. In a statement, he revealed he had spoken with a musician performing at the time, who described the fire as having originated at an electrical switch. According to the Prime Minister, witnesses reported that the fire spread swiftly, leading many patrons to seek refuge from smoke and flames in the bathroom, where a significant number of fatalities were later discovered. “He said that there was a fire at the cut-out switch, and after that things happened very quickly. There was blasting and everybody tried to flee from the smoke and flames,” Prime Minister Anutin stated.
Firefighters managed to control the situation within approximately 30 minutes, but the aftermath was tragic. Reports indicate that nine men and 18 women lost their lives, while more than 60 individuals received medical attention for their injuries, with eight in critical condition. Initial assessments suggest that the majority of the victims succumbed to smoke inhalation, noted Suriyachai Raviwan, director of Bangkok’s disaster department.
Surin Jaiharn, a motorcyclist who aided several escapees, expressed his distress: “I feel depressed. I saw many deaths and I do not know the fate of the people I helped,” he told the Agence France-Presse.
As of Monday morning, the bar, known as Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, has been sealed off. Scattered debris and scorched furniture litter the site, with an overwhelming odour of burnt materials still noticeable. Visual assessments following the blaze display a grim scene, with numerous body bags lined outside the bar along with a significant area cordoned off by emergency services.
Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt commented on the rapid spread of the fire, attributing it to easily flammable decorations within the bar. Furthermore, he highlighted the potential for toxic smoke to incapacitate many patrons: “There might have been tables or other objects obstructing the area,” he added, stressing the need for a detailed investigation.
This incident is not isolated; Thailand has a troubling history of similar tragedies. In 2019, a fire at a different bar nearby resulted in 22 fatalities, while a significant nightclub fire in 2009 claimed 66 lives. As investigations continue, authorities are under pressure to examine safety regulations that govern public venues, which have, in the past, been poorly enforced despite promises for reform.
