AT least 27 people have been killed and 63 others injured after a late-night fire tore through a popular pub in Bangkok, marking one of Thailand's deadliest entertainment venue disasters in recent years.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene, confirmed that authorities had recovered 27 bodies after the blaze erupted at approximately 11.57 p.m. on Sunday in Bangkok's Chatuchak district.
"We have recovered 27 bodies; others are being sent to the hospital," Reuters reported him saying.
According to Anutin, survivors reported that thick smoke rapidly engulfed the venue after the fire broke out, forcing many patrons to flee towards the rear of the premises near the toilets, where they found no accessible fire escapes.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation director Suriyachai Rawiwan said 63 injured victims had been admitted to the hospital.
"The number of deaths has stabilised at 27," he told Reuters.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said 22 of those hospitalised remain in critical condition.
Emergency responders said the blaze, believed to have started near the front stage area, had already consumed much of the premises before firefighters arrived, leaving rescue crews to search the smoke-filled building for survivors.
"We have to wait for the police to investigate," Suriyachai said.
Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom, among the first responders at the scene, said dense smoke rather than flames posed the greatest danger to those trapped inside the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub.
"The fire was not that aggressive, but the smoke had engulfed 100% of the venue. The smoke was everywhere," he said.
"Most of the survivors were choking on smoke."
Body-camera footage captured rescue personnel wearing breathing apparatus as they searched through the darkened interior, where numerous victims were found collapsed near the toilets, while emergency teams carried stretchers into the building.
The footage also showed extensive fire damage throughout the main hall, with bar furniture still visible amid the charred remains.
Governor Chadchart said the establishment had obtained the necessary operating permits and was equipped with fire exits, but the speed at which the smoke spread through the building may have prevented many patrons from reaching safety.
Forensic teams continued working at the scene through the early hours of Monday, collecting evidence and preparing the victims' bodies for identification and transport.
A musician performing at the venue told local media that the incident began after the lights briefly went out, followed almost immediately by thick smoke, a powerful explosion and a rapidly spreading fire.
"After the explosion, I didn't see anybody trying to run; most of them were on the floor asking for help," he said.
"I ran towards the door from the stage, about five metres. It was dark, and there was smoke, no oxygen." - July 13, 2026
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