A devastating fire tore through a pub in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district on Sunday night, killing 27 people and leaving another 22 in critical condition out of 63 total injured. Flames broke out suddenly at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub, engulfing the venue in thick smoke within moments and triggering panic among those inside.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the site to assess the situation, stating that many victims had rushed toward restrooms at the back of the pub in an attempt to escape, but died there due to the absence of proper exit routes. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s disaster prevention director Suriyachai Rawiwan said the fire originated near the stage at the front of the pub and spread rapidly before firefighters could reach the scene. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed the injury toll and the severity of the situation for those in critical condition.
Firefighter Chakrit Khongkham, who was among the first responders, said the venue was already filled with dense smoke by the time crews arrived, leaving many patrons gasping for breath as they attempted to save themselves. Governor Sittipunt noted that the pub held valid permits and had functioning fire exits, but the speed at which the fire and smoke spread left customers unable to see and escape in time.
A band member who was performing at the pub during the incident recounted that thick smoke filled the venue immediately after the lights went out, followed by a loud explosion that further spread the flames. He described scenes of people collapsing on the floor and crying out for help as they struggled to breathe in the darkness, unable to understand what was happening around them.
Forensic teams are currently working to identify the bodies recovered from the site. The incident has been described as one of the most tragic recent events in Bangkok, with authorities continuing to investigate the exact cause and circumstances behind the rapid spread of the fire.