A massive fire at a popular live music venue in Thailand’s capital late on Sunday killed at least 27 people and left 63 others injured. Officials said many victims died after becoming trapped near the pub’s bathrooms while trying to escape thick smoke. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze, which is among the deadliest fire incidents in Bangkok in recent years.
1. The toll
The tragedy struck the Na Ladprao eatery near Soi Lat Phrao 1 Road at 12.02 am while the venue was packed with people. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene, confirmed that 27 bodies had been recovered. Bangkok officials said another 63 people were hospitalised, with 22 in critical condition. The deceased included nine men and 18 women.
2. Deadly rush to bathrooms
The victims died while attempting to escape through the pub’s bathroom during the blaze, according to Thai authorities. “Most of the victims ran to the back, to toilets with no exit. It could be because of panic because there was fire and smoke”, Anutin said, according to AFP.
3. Escape routes questioned
According to Reuters, survivors told authorities the venue filled with smoke within minutes, forcing many people towards the rear of the pub where they struggled to find an escape route.Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the venue had obtained the necessary permits and had fire exits, but investigators were examining whether blocked exits may have contributed to the high death toll. He added that several victims were found near a fire exit and authorities believed there “may have been obstructions blocking it”.
4. Rescue teams faced obstacles
Suriyachai said emergency teams reached the venue within five minutes of the incident being reported, but by then the fire had already spread across the building.“The fire had already spread through the whole area, making it quite difficult for us to get in,” he told AFP. He added that rescuers encountered obstacles inside the venue. “When we went in to search, we found tables and seating blocking the way everywhere and the heat was intense.
5. Smoke proved deadliest
Officials said smoke, rather than flames, was responsible for most of the deaths. “The fire spread very quickly, reaching up to the ceiling. Smoke was likely the main cause of death,” governor Chadchart told AFP reporters. Firefightes said the smoke engulfed the venue within minutes.“The fire was not that aggressive, but the smoke had engulfed 100% of the venue. The smoke was everywhere”, firefighter Chakrit Khongkom said, adding, “Most of the survivors were choking on smoke.”
6. Firefighters searched in darkness
Reuters reported that body-camera footage showed firefighters wearing oxygen masks moving through the smoke-filled remains of the pub while searching for survivors. Several victims were found lying near the toilets as rescue workers carried stretchers into the building.
7. Blackout before explosion
Suriyachai said investigators were still determining the cause of the fire. “We have to wait for the police to investigate,” he told Reuters. A band member claimed that smoke suddenly appeared after the lights briefly went out. “After the explosion I didn’t see anybody trying to run, most of them were on the floor asking for help…I ran towards the door from the stage, about five metres. It was dark and there was smoke, no oxygen”, he was quoted as saying.PM Anutin said musicians described “smoke from a circuit breaker near the stage followed by the power going out and an explosion”.
8. Witnesses recall horror
Motorbike taxi driver Surin Jaiharn, who helped victims escape, told AFP he saw flames burst through the entrance and used clothing to extinguish fire on victims while another driver carried an injured woman away.Laotian tourist Kan Kutirat said he first noticed smoke near the stage before panic spread. “I heard loud screaming from a lot of people inside…chaos happened…the images are still stuck in my mind”, he said.
9. Questions over fire safety
Visuals showed victims fleeing into the street, with several people seen running while their clothing was on fire. An AFP journalist also saw multiple body bags outside the venue as forensic teams gathered evidence.According to the venue’s Facebook page, the live music bar had a capacity of more than 300 people and listed four fire exits. The incident has also renewed scrutiny of Thailand’s long-standing concerns over health and safety standards at bars and nightclubs.
10. Investigation underway
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities are examining whether all fire exits were accessible and whether any safety violations contributed to the deaths. The tragedy has also revived memories of the 2022 Mountain B nightclub fire, which killed 25 people, and the 2009 Santika club fire in Bangkok that claimed 67 lives.