PATTAYA, Thailand – A dramatic fire at the popular Saharat Steakhouse Bar in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi, on Friday night (Aug 15) serves as a stark warning to entertainment venues across Thailand — including tourist-heavy areas like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket — about the ever-present risk of fire hazards.
The two-story bar, with a heavily wooden upper floor, was engulfed in flames originating near the restroom area. Musicians from the band Adrenaline and patrons narrowly escaped as thick black smoke filled the venue. ‘We thought it was smoke effects at first, then sparks appeared, and the fire spread rapidly,’ said band members Adisorn Ubonpap, 41, and Jesdaporn Phojam, 28.
At around 11:00 p.m., police from Bang Bua Thong station received the alarm and coordinated with fire trucks from the Pimolrat municipality and the Laharn subdistrict office. Five fire trucks arrived on scene, battling the blaze for approximately 30 minutes. The building and its contents, including instruments and electronic equipment, were completely destroyed, but thankfully no serious injuries were reported.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as patrons ran for their lives. Thick smoke and intense flames covered much of the upper floor, and some people suffered minor burns or were singed by sparks while trying to help douse the fire. Many staff and musicians had to abandon their belongings while escaping, and band equipment, including iPads and musical instruments, were lost.
Authorities suspect an electrical short circuit behind the stage as the cause, and note that the wooden structure of the upper floor likely contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. There were no reports of explosions during the incident.
The fire underscores the urgent need for nightlife and entertainment venues to review fire safety measures. Officials are urging all bars and night venues nationwide, particularly in heavily visited tourist destinations, to conduct thorough inspections, repair or replace faulty electrical wiring, ensure functional fire alarms and extinguishers, keep all emergency exits clear and accessible, and train staff in emergency evacuation procedures.
“This incident is a reminder that fires can happen anytime, anywhere, putting both staff and patrons at serious risk if proper precautions aren’t taken,” said a local fire official.
