Bangkok: At least 27 people were killed and 63 others injured, including 22 in critical condition, after a massive fire tore through a crowded pub in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district late on Sunday night. Thai authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the tragedy, with initial findings pointing to serious fire safety lapses.

The blaze broke out at around 11:57 pm local time at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub and spread rapidly following an apparent explosion, engulfing the venue in thick smoke.

Fire traps patrons inside pub

According to eyewitnesses, smoke was first seen near an electrical circuit breaker close to the stage shortly before the power failed. Moments later, a loud explosion was heard, triggering panic among hundreds of patrons trying to escape.

As visibility deteriorated, several people reportedly sought shelter inside the pub’s restrooms, where many were later found unconscious or dead after becoming trapped by the dense smoke.

Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control before it spread to nearby buildings.

Investigation reveals safety violations

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed that dozens of injured victims had been admitted to hospitals, while authorities continue the process of identifying those killed, as many were without identification documents.

Following an inspection, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the venue lacked clearly marked emergency exit routes. Investigators also found that an emergency exit near the restrooms had been secured with double locks, preventing patrons from escaping during the fire.

Authorities are now examining whether the establishment complied with Thailand’s fire safety regulations.

Questions over nightclub safety

The disaster has revived memories of previous deadly nightclub fires in Thailand, including tragedies in 2009 and 2022, which also exposed shortcomings in emergency preparedness and safety compliance.

Officials are expected to review existing safety regulations as investigations continue into whether the latest tragedy could have been prevented.