Fire, toxic smoke, blocked exits: How Bangkok pub turned into a death trap

A fire tore through Bangkok's Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub around midnight, killing 27 people and injuring 63. The disaster has focused attention on toxic smoke, blocked exits and possible safety lapses.

In Short

• Investigators suspect an electrical short circuit in a ceiling air conditioner
• Smoke inhalation overwhelmed many survivors as visibility collapsed within moments
• Beer crates and a table allegedly blocked emergency exits near rear

What began as an ordinary Sunday night at a popular Bangkok pub turned into one of Thailand's deadliest nightlife disasters. A massive fire ripped through the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub around midnight, killing at least 27 people and leaving 63 others injured, including 22 in critical condition. As flames spread with terrifying speed, thick toxic smoke engulfed the venue, trapping dozens of patrons inside.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene hours later, confirmed that 27 bodies had been recovered, while rescue teams continued searching the charred remains of the building.

TOXIC SMOKE BECOMES THE BIGGEST KILLER

Investigators believe the blaze began after an electrical short circuit in a ceiling-mounted air conditioner near the front stage. Within moments, smoke filled the pub, reducing visibility and making breathing nearly impossible.

Firefighters said many survivors were not severely burned but were overcome by smoke inhalation.

"The smoke was everywhere, most of the survivors were choking on smoke." firefighter Chakrit Khongkom told Reuters.

Panic spread as customers rushed away from the flames, only to find their escape routes blocked.

BLOCKED EXITS TURN PANIC INTO TRAGEDY

Authorities say the disaster became far deadlier because emergency exits were obstructed.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said beer crates blocked one fire exit near the kitchen, while a table obstructed another. As flames consumed the front of the pub, frightened customers fled toward the rear, where the kitchen, bathrooms and emergency exits were located.

Instead of finding safety, many became trapped.

Rescuers discovered numerous victims lying near the toilets, suggesting they had desperately tried to escape through the back but were overwhelmed before reaching the exits.

RESCUERS FIND VICTIMS INSIDE TOILETS

Body-camera footage from emergency workers captured the scale of the tragedy. Firefighters wearing oxygen masks searched through smoke-filled rooms using flashlights, carrying stretchers past scorched tables and collapsed debris.

Several bodies were found inside or near the pub's toilets, where patrons had gathered in a last attempt to escape the flames.

Outside, rows of numbered bodies lay awaiting identification as forensic teams collected evidence through the night.

SURVIVORS RECALL MOMENTS OF HORROR

Witnesses said the first warning came as a faint burning smell.

"My friend, who was singing on stage, said they first noticed the smell of something burning, then saw the ceiling on fire," 32-year-old Sukanya Wongwongwai told Reuters, as she waited outside the pub searching for a missing friend.

She added that pieces of the foam ceiling, used for soundproofing, fell onto customers as the fire intensified, injuring many before they could escape.

Video verified by Reuters showed thick black smoke pouring from the building before a powerful burst of flames shot out through the entrance as screaming patrons ran for safety.

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

Officials say forensic investigators will determine the exact cause of the fire and examine whether safety violations contributed to the high death toll.

The tragedy has raised fresh concerns over fire safety standards in entertainment venues, particularly emergency exit access and the use of combustible interior materials.

As Bangkok mourns, investigators are piecing together how a night of music and celebration turned into a deadly trap where smoke, flames and blocked exits left dozens with no way out.

- Ends