At least 27 killed, 22 critically injured in Bangkok pub fire

At least 27 killed, 22 critically injured in Bangkok pub fire

At least 27 killed 22 critically – A severe fire at a well-known pub in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, resulted in 27 fatalities and left 22 individuals in critical condition. Officials reported that the fire began at 11:57 PM local time on Sunday in the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub located in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.

Officials confirm death toll and injuries

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated at the scene that 27 individuals perished in the blaze, with multiple injured being transported to the hospital. The fire’s origin is currently under investigation.

“We have recovered 27 bodies, others are being sent to hospital,” PM Anutin said.

Chadchart Sittipunt, Bangkok Governor, noted that 22 of the hospitalized victims were in critical condition. Suriyachai Rawiwan, head of the city’s disaster prevention department, added that 63 others were also injured and admitted to medical facilities.

“The number of deaths has stabilised at 27,” he told Reuters.

Fire’s origin and rapid spread

While the exact cause remains unclear, the PM cited a musician present at the venue, stating that smoke initially emerged from a circuit breaker near the stage. This led to a power outage and a subsequent explosion, causing thick smoke to fill the space swiftly.

“After the explosion, I didn’t see anybody trying to run; most of them were on the floor asking for help,” a band member told reporters.

“I ran towards the door from the stage, about five metres. It was dark and there was smoke, no oxygen,” the same source added.

Chakrit Khongkom, a firefighter who arrived shortly after the fire started, described the chaos. “The fire was not that aggressive, but the smoke had engulfed 100% of the venue. The smoke was everywhere,” he said to Reuters. “Most of the survivors were choking on smoke.”

Fire safety measures and past incidents

Chadchart Sittipunt mentioned that the pub had proper permits and fire exits, yet the fire spread rapidly, trapping patrons and complicating escape efforts.

This tragedy marks one of the deadliest incidents in Thailand’s history as a global tourism hub. Similar events have occurred before, including a 2022 fire at a music pub in the east that claimed 14 lives, and a 2009 blaze during New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Santika nightclub, which killed 66 people and injured over 200.