Thailand Disaster Leaves 27 Dead and 63 Injured in Chatuchak Pub Blaze

A Thailand disaster unfolded late on July 13, 2026, when a fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in Bangkok's Chatuchak district killed 27 people and injured 63 others. [4] [5] Most victims succumbed to smoke inhalation after fleeing to restrooms that lacked clear fire escapes. [2] The blaze broke out near Lat Phrao Road and was brought under control within about 30 minutes. [1] [3]

Deadly Bangkok Pub Fire Claims 27 Lives

The fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub near Lat Phrao Road in Bangkok's Chatuchak district killed 27 people and injured 63 others, with 22 of the injured listed in critical condition. [4] [5] Thai media reported the incident occurred late Sunday, with the fire breaking out around 11:57 p.m. local time. [1] Rescuers gathered at the scene as the blaze was later extinguished and the injured were taken to hospitals for treatment. [1] Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived at the scene at around 1:44 a.m. on Monday and stated that most of the victims died from smoke inhalation. [1] An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. [1] Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt also visited the location alongside the prime minister and the director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. [5]

Sequence of Events and Eyewitness Accounts

A musician performing at the pub told the prime minister that smoke came from a circuit breaker near the stage before the power went out, after which an explosion was heard and thick smoke quickly filled the place. [2] [3] The fire spread very rapidly, reaching up to the ceiling, with toxic smoke from burning decorative materials cited as the main cause of death. [4] [5] A Laotian tourist who was at the venue around 10:00 p.m. on Sunday noticed smoke rising near the stage and later shared video showing patrons fleeing into the street, some with shirts ablaze. [4] The tourist described hearing loud screaming from inside and helped carry one woman out before the chaos intensified. [4] Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about 30 minutes. [3] [5]

Prime Minister and Governor at the Scene

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters at the scene that many victims were found at the restrooms at the back of the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar, where survivors reported no fire escapes. [2] He noted that most fatalities resulted from smoke inhalation and quoted musicians describing smoke from a circuit breaker near the stage followed by a blackout and an explosion. [2] [5] Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that 63 people were hospitalized, including 22 in critical condition, and said flames spread rapidly through ceiling decorations, producing toxic smoke. [4] [5] The governor added that authorities had launched an investigation and that a number of victims were found near the fire exit, with possible obstructions blocking it. [4] The prime minister gave the same death toll of 27, which local police also confirmed. [4]

Safety Concerns and Venue History

Survivors reported no rear fire escapes at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar, and many victims ran to the back toilets with no exit, apparently due to panic from the fire and smoke. [2] [5] Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the eatery was licensed for music performances and had been inspected in April. [5] The venue had fire exits at the rear, yet victims rushed to the toilets where rescuers had difficulty reaching them. [5] This incident follows other deadly Thailand pub fires, including one in 2022 at a music pub in eastern Thailand that killed 14 people and a 2009 New Year's Eve fire at Bangkok's Santika club that killed 67 and injured more than 200. [3] [4]

Aftermath and Rescue Efforts

Rescuers recovered bodies and victims' belongings from the burned-out interior hours after the fire, where the smell of burned plastic lingered and most windows were blown out. [1] [4] An AFP journalist saw several black body bags on the ground outside the venue early Monday morning, while dozens of emergency service workers remained at the scene. [4] The dead comprised nine men and 18 women. [5] Thai national police stated around 2:00 a.m. Monday that the fire had been brought under control. [4] Identification of the bodies continued as officials worked at the site. [5]

What to watch next: An investigation into the cause of the fire and possible obstructions at the fire exit remains underway, with senior officials including the prime minister and Bangkok governor already at the scene to assess the response. [1] [4]