Bangkok, Thailand – Web Desk: An explosive fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in northern Bangkok killed 27 people and injured dozens on Monday, with police investigating possible negligence including blocked emergency exits and use of flammable materials for acoustic insulation . The tragedy marks one of Thailand’s deadliest nightlife fires in recent years.
Survivors Trapped as Flames Spread
The fire broke out around midnight (1700 GMT) on Sunday at the packed venue, with social media videos showing thick smoke followed by an intense horizontal plume of fire as screaming customers fled . Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the site early Monday, said most victims “ran to the back of the building, into the bathroom, and there was no clear sign of a fire exit.”
A survivor reportedly saw the ceiling catch fire shortly after noticing a burning smell—”the ceiling was made out of foam material to absorb sound,” Sukanya Wongwongwai, 32, told Reuters, quoting a friend who was performing on stage.
Critical Injuries and Rescue Efforts
Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of Bangkok’s disaster prevention department, confirmed 63 people were injured, 22 critically . Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom, 45, said the smoke was so thick that most survivors were choking, while those escaping through the front suffered burns. Body-camera footage reviewed by Reuters showed victims lying prone near the pub’s toilets, where many had sought refuge .
Safety Violations Under Scrutiny
National Police Chief Kittiratt Phanphet announced that “negligence is the primary theory” guiding their investigation, citing potential issues with emergency exits, overloaded wiring, and flammable materials used during renovations .
During a site visit, Prime Minister Anutin was shown a bolted door with a “staff only” sign that could have served as an exit—but customers would not have known. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt added that two fire exits were obstructed: one by beer crates near the kitchen, another by a table .
The venue had passed a fire safety inspection in April, with fire exits and extinguishers reportedly in place at the time.
