BANGKOK, Thailand – At least 27 people were killed and more than 60 others were injured after a fire tore through a crowded pub in northern Bangkok late Sunday night, prompting Thai authorities to launch an investigation into possible negligence, including reports of obstructed emergency exits and other fire safety violations.
The blaze erupted shortly before midnight at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub, a popular live music venue in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. Witnesses said smoke was first seen near the stage area before an explosion plunged the building into darkness. Within minutes, thick smoke and flames engulfed the establishment, leaving many patrons trapped inside.
Emergency responders confirmed that 27 people died in the fire, while at least 63 others sustained injuries, including more than 20 who remained in critical condition. Firefighters recovered many of the victims near the venue’s restrooms, where people had apparently sought refuge after being unable to escape.
Thai police and forensic investigators are examining whether blocked or locked emergency exits contributed to the high death toll. Officials also said an initial assessment points to a possible electrical short circuit involving a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit, although the exact cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Highly flammable interior materials, including acoustic foam, may have accelerated the spread of the blaze.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene on Monday and ordered authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Officials are also reviewing whether the establishment complied with Thailand’s fire safety regulations, despite reportedly passing an inspection earlier this year. The pub’s owner was reported to be hospitalized in intensive care.
Videos verified by Reuters showed terrified patrons rushing from the burning building as thick black smoke poured from the venue. Survivors described chaotic scenes and said many people became trapped as they searched for escape routes in the darkness.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over fire safety enforcement in Thailand’s entertainment venues. The country has experienced several deadly nightclub and pub fires over the past two decades, including the Santika Club fire in Bangkok in 2009, which killed 67 people, and the Mountain B nightclub fire in Chonburi in 2022, which claimed 26 lives. Both incidents led to criminal investigations and calls for stricter enforcement of building and fire safety standards.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, with forensic experts expected to determine the fire’s exact cause and whether negligence or regulatory violations played a role in one of Thailand’s deadliest entertainment venue disasters in recent years.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
