A catastrophic fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in Bangkok has claimed the lives of at least 27 people, with another 22 victims currently in critical condition. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the site early Monday, confirmed the death toll based on recovery efforts. According to Bangkok metropolitan administration official Suriyachai Rawiwan, a total of 63 individuals were hospitalized following the incident.
Witnesses and survivors reported that the fire ignited near the front stage of the venue before spreading rapidly. The blaze caused the pub to fill with dense, suffocating smoke almost instantly, leading many patrons to scramble toward the back of the building near the restrooms in a desperate attempt to escape. Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom, who was among the first responders, described the scene as one where the smoke had completely engulfed the venue, leaving most survivors struggling for oxygen.
A band member who was present during the incident described a sudden power failure followed by a massive explosion and an immediate onset of smoke. He noted that in the darkness, many patrons were unable to find an exit and remained on the floor calling for help. While Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed that the pub possessed the necessary permits and fire exits, the speed at which the fire and smoke consumed the interior made evacuation extremely difficult.
Emergency personnel and forensic teams remained on-site throughout the early morning hours to manage the recovery of the deceased and collect evidence for an ongoing police investigation. Body-camera footage from rescue workers revealed the grim reality inside the darkened venue, showing victims near the toilets and the remnants of bar furniture scattered throughout the main room.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has stated that they are conducting urgent inquiries with Thai authorities to verify if any Australian citizens were among those affected, offering their condolences and consular support. This tragedy echoes past incidents in Thailand, including a 2022 fire at an eastern music pub that killed 14, and the 2009 Santika nightclub fire in Bangkok, which resulted in 66 deaths and over 200 injuries following an indoor fireworks display.
“The fire was not that aggressive, but the smoke had engulfed 100% of the venue. The smoke was everywhere,” he said. “Most of the survivors were choking on smoke.”
Body-camera footage from an emergency worker seen by Reuters shows firefighters in oxygen masks moving through the darkened remains of the pub with torches as they searched for survivors.
