BANGKOK — A fire that tore through a popular bar in the Thai capital killed 27 people and injured dozens more, with investigators examining whether obstructed emergency exits contributed to the country's deadliest nightlife blaze in nearly two decades, authorities said.
The fire broke out shortly before midnight at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao venue in northern Bangkok, where large crowds had gathered for live music. Officials said the blaze spread rapidly after smoke was reported near the performance stage, followed by a power outage and an apparent explosion that filled the building with dense smoke.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene, confirmed that 27 bodies had been recovered while dozens of injured patrons were taken to hospitals across the city. Authorities said many victims died from smoke inhalation after becoming trapped inside the building.
Police and fire investigators said early findings indicated that emergency exits may have been obstructed, preventing people from escaping as the fire intensified. National Police Chief Kittharath Punpetch said negligence was the leading line of investigation, while officers also examined whether electrical faults, flammable interior materials and possible building code violations played a role.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the establishment held the required operating permits, but added that compliance during inspections did not necessarily reflect conditions during normal business operations. Officials said investigators were examining reports that tables, beer crates or other objects may have blocked escape routes.
Rescue workers said many of the victims were discovered in windowless restrooms near the rear of the venue, where they had apparently sought refuge from flames and smoke. Dozens of other patrons suffered burns or smoke inhalation, with several remaining in critical condition, according to health authorities.
Forensic teams continued examining the damaged building on Thursday while officials worked to identify all victims and determine the exact cause of the blaze. Authorities said they would also review fire safety enforcement at entertainment venues across the capital as part of the investigation.
The tragedy has renewed scrutiny of fire safety standards in Thailand following several deadly entertainment venue fires over the past two decades, including the 2009 Santika nightclub fire in Bangkok and the 2022 Mountain B nightclub blaze, both of which prompted calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
