At least 27 dead as fire engulfs packed Bangkok pub, many victims found trapped in bathrooms

What happened

A fire swept through the Na Ladprao pub in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district early Monday, 12 July, killing at least 27 people. The blaze was reported around midnight local time and video from first responders showed a huge fire raging out of the venue’s front door while thick black smoke rose into the sky. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived at the scene and told reporters that 27 bodies had been recovered and several injured people were taken to hospital.

Twenty-seven bodies were moved out, lifeless bodies. Some were sent to hospitals, we are checking their conditions.

Response and timeline

Firefighters from the Phaholyothin, Phayathai and Huai Khwang districts were dispatched and contained the fire in about half an hour. The prime minister reached the pub at approximately 1:22 a.m. to oversee operations and speak to the media. The venue, known as Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, was reportedly packed at the time of the incident.

Casualties and survivors

Many of the dead were discovered in the bathrooms at the back of the pub, the prime minister added. Several other patrons were taken to nearby hospitals. Authorities have not yet released a full list of the injured or identified all the victims. The rapid spread of smoke and the location of the exits appear to have trapped people inside.

Cause under investigation

Anutin Charnvirakul said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. He relayed an account from a musician who was performing at the pub: the musician said he saw smoke coming from a switch near the stage, then a power cut occurred, followed by an explosion and dense smoke that quickly filled the room. No official determination has been made.

History of nightlife fires in Thailand

Thailand has experienced similar tragedies. In 2022, a fire at the Mountain B music venue in the eastern part of the country killed 14 people. An even deadlier blaze broke out at the Santika nightclub in Bangkok on 1 January 2009, when an indoor pyrotechnic display sparked a fire that left 66 people dead and more than 200 injured.

What comes next

Authorities are continuing rescue and recovery work while investigators examine the scene. The prime minister has promised a thorough inquiry. Meanwhile, images of charred tables and chairs inside the damaged pub are circulating online. The incident has once again drawn attention to fire safety standards in Thailand's entertainment venues.