BANGKOK, Thailand – A major fire at a pub and restaurant in Bangkok on Sunday night left at least 27 people dead and 71 others injured, officials said. The fire broke out at the “Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao” entertainment venue near Lat Phrao Soi 1 in the Chatuchak district at approximately 11:57 p.m. Firefighters arrived within five minutes and took about 30 minutes to control the blaze. The aftermath revealed heavily charred furniture and severe structural damage inside the venue.
Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, noted that rescue operations faced severe difficulties. The fire enveloped the entire area, and access was heavily obstructed by a dense layout of tables and chairs. Most of the victims were found trapped in the restrooms. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene at 1:30 a.m. on Monday to monitor the situation. “The explosion appeared to have erupted across the entire venue. Most of the victims died from smoke inhalation,” Anutin told reporters.
According to preliminary accounts from a surviving musician, smoke initially emerged from a circuit breaker near the stage before the lights went out, followed by an explosion and thick smoke. Panicked patrons fled toward the back of the building into the restrooms, which lacked clear fire exits. Anutin stated that forensic police are investigating the exact cause of the fire. Authorities are currently conducting initial victim identification at the site before transferring the bodies to forensic medicine institutes.
Based on the initial inspection, the place holds a valid food service license and is legally permitted to have live music until midnight. This establishment did not apply to operate as an entertainment venue, he said. If it were classified as an entertaiment venue, it would not be allowed to operate at this location because it falls outside the designated zoning area. Therefore, it is registered as a food service business, not a pub or bar.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that officials are gathering detailed information on the victims and have established a coordination center to assist relatives. Initial inspections revealed that emergency exits were partially blocked by obstacles such as tables and decorative items, which likely hindered evacuation. Investigators are also examining internal materials and the ceiling to determine how the fire spread, though an official conclusion has yet to be reached. According to officials, the casualties include 27 deceased—consisting of nine males and 63 females—and 71 others who sustained injuries. (TNA)
