Bangkok Bar Fire Kills At Least 27, Leaves 22 Critically Injured

Deadly blaze tears through popular nightlife venue as authorities launch investigation

At least 27 people have been killed and 22 others remain in critical condition after a massive fire swept through a popular bar in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district late Sunday night.

The blaze broke out near the stage area of Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao before rapidly spreading throughout the venue, cutting electricity and filling the building with thick smoke, according to eyewitness accounts.

Videos circulating on social media showed terrified customers running from the burning building, with some people seen screaming and others escaping while their clothes were on fire.

Victims trapped inside the burning bar

Firefighters arrived shortly after midnight and managed to extinguish the flames within about 30 minutes. However, the devastation had already claimed dozens of lives.

Authorities said most of the victims were discovered inside a bathroom, where they had apparently sought shelter from the flames and smoke.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene and said a musician performing at the venue told him there had been an explosion before panic spread among customers.

According to the musician, many people ran toward the back of the building and attempted to hide in the toilets, where many of the bodies were later found.

Electrical fault suspected

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit in an air conditioning unit, although officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause.

Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt said flammable decorations on the ceiling may have contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze.

Authorities are also investigating reports that the emergency exit may have been obstructed after several people were found unconscious nearby.

Forensic teams have been deployed to determine exactly how the tragedy unfolded.

Survivors recount terrifying scenes

Motorcyclist Surin Jaiharn, who helped rescue several people, said he used clothing to extinguish flames on victims as they escaped.

“I feel depressed. I saw many deaths and I do not know the fate of the people I helped,” he said.

Another witness, the driver who alerted firefighters, said he broke windows to help two people escape from the burning building.

As of Monday morning, the area remained sealed off by authorities. Body bags lined the entrance to the venue, while images from inside showed blackened walls, destroyed furniture and sections of the ceiling that had collapsed.

Thailand’s history of deadly fires

The tragedy has renewed concerns about fire safety standards in Thailand.

Despite previous promises by authorities to improve building and electrical safety regulations, enforcement has often been criticised as inadequate.

In 2022, a nightclub fire south of Bangkok killed 22 people, while the devastating New Year’s nightclub fire in Bangkok in 2009 claimed 66 lives and injured more than 200 others.

Officials have announced compensation for victims and their families, with relatives of those who died receiving financial assistance and injured survivors also receiving support.

As Thailand mourns another deadly fire disaster, investigators are racing to determine what caused the latest tragedy and whether it could have been prevented.