At least 27 people were killed and dozens were injured after a fire swept through a crowded pub in northern Bangkok shortly before midnight on Sunday, Thai authorities said.
The blaze erupted at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district at around 11:57 p.m. on July 12. Firefighters brought the flames under control about half an hour later, but thick smoke had already filled the establishment.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said 63 people were taken to hospitals, including 22 who were in critical condition. Authorities were still identifying some of the victims early Monday.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene, confirmed that rescuers had recovered 27 bodies.
“Twenty-seven bodies were moved out, lifeless bodies. Some were sent to hospitals, we are checking their conditions,” Anutin said in televised remarks.
Many of the victims were found near or inside restrooms at the rear of the establishment, where patrons may have sought refuge after the venue was plunged into darkness and filled with smoke.
Anutin said musicians performing at the venue reported seeing smoke coming from a circuit breaker near the stage before the power went out and an explosion was heard.
Authorities, however, have not established the official cause of the fire. Investigators are examining the electrical system, the building’s layout, its emergency exits and its compliance with fire-safety regulations.
Officials said the pub had operating permits and designated fire exits, although investigators were determining whether patrons could readily access the escape routes as the fire and heavy smoke spread through the building.
Emergency personnel and forensic teams remained at the scene Monday as authorities continued identifying the victims and determining whether foreign nationals were among those killed or injured.
The tragedy is one of Thailand’s deadliest entertainment-venue fires in recent years. A 2022 fire at the Mountain B nightclub in Chon Buri eventually killed 23 people.