Fire Kills 27 at Bangkok Pub

A massive fire engulfed the Na Ladprao pub in Bangkok's Chatuchak District early Monday morning, killing at least 27 people, according to officials. The blaze was reported around midnight and took about half an hour to bring under control.

The popular entertainment venue saw thick black smoke billowing into the sky as people tried to flee. Footage shared online by first responders showed a huge blaze raging out of the front door, with flames bursting into the street like a blowtorch. Firefighters from multiple stations battled the inferno with water hoses.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters at the scene that 27 people died and several injured were taken to hospitals. He said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to Los Angeles Times. A musician performing at the pub reported seeing smoke coming out of a circuit breaker near the stage before an explosion was heard and thick smoke filled the place.

The aftermath showed charred tables and chairs, with many victims found in restrooms at the back of the pub. Photos from the scene depicted casualties lined up on the street outside as rescuers rushed to provide emergency care. The bar is known as a popular entertainment venue and restaurant in the Chatuchak District.

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said investigators would examine ceiling materials and whether any emergency exits may have been obstructed, potentially making it more difficult for people to evacuate. By Monday morning, forensic officers combed through the burned remains for clues about what caused the fire.

The building’s street-facing windows had been blown out and debris littered the sidewalk, including charred television sets, speakers and an electric guitar. Some Buddhist monks visited the site Monday morning to pray for the victims, while nurses handed out face masks to people nearby to help protect them from smoke and lingering fumes.

Firefighters took about half an hour to bring the fire under control. Photos of the aftermath show charred tables and chairs, and the damaged interior of the bar. A registration spot was set up to gather information from relatives coming at the scene looking for their loved ones.

Singer Sukanya Wongwongwai said she was performing nearby when she heard news of the fire and rushed to the scene because several of her bandmates were performing at the bar. She said one of them died, three were hospitalized, and one hasn’t been located.
- From what I heard from people who were inside, when the fire started everything went dark. The power was out and there was smoke everywhere, so they couldn’t locate other people,” she said.

Thailand has seen similar tragedies, including a 2022 fire at a music pub that killed 14 people and a devastating blaze during a New Year's Eve celebration in 2009 that resulted in 67 deaths and over 200 injuries. That fire was reportedly sparked by an indoor fireworks display.

According to Reuters, the pub had procured proper permits and had fire exits, but the fire spread rapidly and smoke filled the room, potentially making it hard for patrons to escape. A band member at the venue told local media that smoke suddenly filled the room after the lights briefly went out, followed by a massive explosion and fire.
- After the explosion I didn't see anybody trying to run, most of them were on the floor asking for help,” he told reporters.

Body-camera footage from an emergency worker seen by Reuters showed firefighters in oxygen masks moving through the darkened remains of the pub with torches as they searched for survivors. Several victims can be seen lying prone on the floor near the pub's toilets while rescue workers carry in stretchers.