Bangkok woke to a nightmare after a fast-moving blaze tore through a packed pub in the city’s Chatuchak district, killing 27 people and leaving dozens more fighting for their lives in one of the capital’s deadliest nightlife fires in recent years.
“We have recovered 27 bodies, others are being sent to hospital,” said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who went to the scene to assess the devastation firsthand.
Drawing on accounts from survivors, he said the venue quickly turned into a smoke trap once the fire broke out. As thick fumes spread, many patrons rushed toward the rear of the pub near the bathrooms — only to find there were no fire escapes.
Another 63 people injured in the incident have been hospitalised, said Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Mobile phones of victims of a fire recovered from the blaze
Of those taken to hospital, 22 are in critical condition, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt told reporters.
By the time rescue teams reached the pub, witnesses said flames that began near the front of the venue’s stage had already swept through that area, Mr Suriyachai said, leaving responders to work through the aftermath rather than contain an advancing fire.
“We have to wait for the police to investigate,” he added.
‘The smoke was everywhere’
Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom, 45, said he was on the first fire truck to arrive and found the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub burning, with patrons still trapped inside. Several, he said, were trying desperately to push their way out from the back of the building.
At the front entrance, the few who managed to emerge were badly burned.
“The fire was not that aggressive, but the smoke had engulfed 100% of the venue. The smoke was everywhere,” he said.
The fire spread rapidly and smoke filled the room, making it hard for patrons to escape
“Most of the survivors were choking on smoke.”
Body-camera footage from an emergency worker seen by Reuters captured firefighters in oxygen masks threading through the blackened, low-visibility interior with torches, sweeping the wreckage for anyone still alive.
Several victims can be seen lying prone on the floor near the pub’s toilets while rescue workers carry in stretchers.
The video also shows what appears to be the fire-damaged main room of the venue, with bar tables and stools still visible.
The fire caused extensive damage at the pub (Photo: Fire & Rescue Thailand)
Mr Chadchart said the pub had procured proper permits and had fire exits, but he noted that the fire moved quickly and smoke flooded the room — conditions that can disorient crowds and choke escape routes within moments.
Through the early hours, emergency crews stayed in place as victims’ bodies were readied for transport and forensic specialists gathered evidence to help identify the dead.
Numbered bodies lay in two rows awaiting removal, surrounded by a large number of rescue workers.
Firefighters stood near the pub’s entrance, its facade scorched and blackened by the blaze.
A band member who had been performing told local media that smoke suddenly poured into the venue after the lights briefly went out, before a huge explosion and fire followed.
“After the explosion I didn’t see anybody trying to run, most of them were on the floor asking for help,” he told reporters, his head still bandaged, without giving his name.
“I ran towards the door from the stage, about five metres. It was dark and there was smoke, no oxygen.”
