BANGKOK, Thailand — At least 27 people were killed and dozens more were injured after a devastating fire tore through a pub in Bangkok during the early hours of Monday, July 13, prompting a major emergency response and a government investigation into the cause of the blaze.
According to Thai authorities, the fire broke out shortly after midnight at the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok. Thick smoke and flames rapidly engulfed the venue, trapping patrons and staff inside as many attempted to escape.
Videos shared by first responders showed heavy flames pouring from the building’s entrance while dense black smoke filled the structure. Firefighters arrived quickly and succeeded in bringing the blaze under control in approximately 30 minutes, but by then the fire had claimed numerous lives and left many others critically injured.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene and confirmed that 27 people had died. He said authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.
According to the prime minister, a musician performing at the venue reported seeing smoke emerging from an electrical circuit breaker near the stage shortly before the electricity failed. Moments later, an explosion was reportedly heard, and thick smoke quickly spread throughout the building, making escape extremely difficult.
Officials said many of the victims were discovered near the restrooms at the rear of the establishment, suggesting they may have been attempting to find an exit or shelter from the smoke.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said 63 people were transported to hospitals, including 22 in critical condition. Authorities have been working to identify victims, noting that some were unconscious or were not carrying identification when they were rescued.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, emergency officials established a registration center where anxious relatives could seek information about missing loved ones and assist authorities with victim identification.
Among those affected were members of the local music community. Singer Sukanya Wongwongwai told reporters that several members of her band had been performing at the pub when the fire broke out. She said one bandmate died, three others were hospitalized, and another remained unaccounted for as rescue efforts continued.
Witnesses described scenes of panic inside the venue as darkness fell after the power outage. Thick smoke reportedly filled the building within moments, severely limiting visibility and making it difficult for people to locate exits or help one another escape.
Investigators are expected to examine the building’s electrical systems, safety measures, emergency exits, and other factors as they seek to determine what caused the deadly fire.
The incident is one of Thailand’s deadliest entertainment venue fires in recent years. In 2022, a fire at a music pub in eastern Thailand killed 14 people, while the Santika nightclub fire in Bangkok on New Year’s Day 2009 claimed 66 lives and injured more than 200 after an indoor fireworks display ignited the building.
Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation while emergency workers continue supporting victims and their families. The identities of many of those who died had not yet been publicly released as officials continued notification efforts and forensic identification procedures.
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