Bangkok Bar Fire Claims 27 Lives, Dozens Injured As Probe Begins

A devastating fire at a bar in Bangkok's Chatuchak district late on Sunday night has killed 27 people and left 63 others injured, including 22 who remain in critical condition.

The fire broke out at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao shortly after midnight. According to eyewitnesses, the blaze started near the stage before spreading rapidly through the venue. A power outage followed, and thick smoke quickly filled the bar, leaving many people struggling to escape.

Firefighters arrived at the scene after being alerted by a passing driver and managed to extinguish the flames within about 30 minutes. However, the damage had already been done.

Rescue teams later recovered the bodies of 27 victims, including nine men and 18 women. Most were found inside a bathroom, where they had apparently taken shelter as the fire spread. Initial findings indicate that the majority died from smoke inhalation.

More than 60 people were taken to hospitals for treatment. Authorities said eight of the injured remain in critical condition.

Electrical Short Circuit Suspected

Officials have not confirmed the exact cause of the fire, but preliminary investigations by Bangkok's disaster mitigation department point to a possible electrical short circuit in an air conditioner.

Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine how the fire started and whether the building met required safety standards.

Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt said the bar's flammable ceiling decorations may have contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze. Officials are also examining reports that people were found unconscious near an emergency exit, raising questions about whether the exit was obstructed. They said forensic investigations will determine if that was the case.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the site on Monday morning to brief investigators. He has ordered a detailed investigation to determine full accountability and verify whether the building met required safety and licensing standards.

Aftermath Of The Deadly Blaze

By Monday morning, the bar had been cordoned off while investigators examined the site. The building was left extensively damaged, with charred walls, burnt furniture and sections of the ceiling peeled away. A strong smell of smoke lingered inside as emergency teams continued their work.

Several bystanders reportedly helped rescue people before firefighters reached the scene. One driver is said to have broken windows to help those trapped inside, while another assisted people who escaped with burns.

(With inputs from various sources)

FAQs

Q1. What happened in the Bangkok bar fire?

A fire broke out at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao in Bangkok's Chatuchak district shortly after midnight, killing at least 27 people and injuring more than 60.

Q2. What caused the Bangkok bar fire?

The exact cause is still under investigation, but preliminary findings suggest a possible electrical short circuit in an air conditioner.

Q3. How many people were injured in the fire?

More than 60 people were injured, with eight reported to be in critical condition.

Q4. Where did the Bangkok bar fire occur?

The blaze occurred at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, a bar located in Bangkok's Chatuchak district.

Q5. What are authorities investigating?

Officials are examining the cause of the fire, the role of flammable interior materials, and whether emergency exits and other safety measures complied with regulations.