INVESTIGATORS probing the deadly fire at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao are examining whether an overloaded electrical system and a blocked emergency exit contributed to the deaths and injuries caused by the blaze on July 12.
Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Police Lieutenant-General Siam Boonsom reviewed the investigation file with officers at Phahon Yothin Police Station on July 16, including witness statements and evidence collected from the entertainment venue.
The Nation reported that more than 106 people have been questioned so far, including business operators, employees, relatives of victims, forensic officers, engineers and electricity officials. Investigators are also seeking statements from electricians previously involved in modifications at the premises.
Preliminary findings have placed the venue’s electrical system at the centre of the investigation.
According to information from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, the venue originally applied for a 30/100 electricity supply but later required greater capacity after consuming more power.
Police said the business repeatedly informed electricity officials that it was not ready when inspections were scheduled.
Investigators suspect electrical modifications may have later been carried out without official inspection, potentially causing the system to become overloaded before a short circuit triggered the fire.
Authorities are awaiting formal reports from the Police Forensic Science Office, the Institute of Forensic Medicine, the Engineering Institute of Thailand and relevant district authorities before determining the official cause of the blaze.
The investigation has also focused on an emergency exit located near the toilets, which several employees and early escapees said was difficult to open during the fire.
Police said the exit door had reportedly been secured with a bolt before the incident, despite emergency exits being required to remain accessible at all times.
People attempting to escape through the door were forced to remove the bolt before they could leave the building.
Investigators are assessing whether the locked exit affected evacuation efforts and whether all four entrances and exits at the venue complied with safety regulations.
Authorities are also examining whether the premises had conducted emergency evacuation drills and whether there were other safety breaches involving building structures or materials.
Forensic findings presented to police showed that victims died after inhaling toxic gases, including carbon monoxide and cyanide, released during the fire.
Siam said the gases prevented the body from receiving oxygen and could cause death within minutes when inhaled in high concentrations.
Several police officers who entered the burning building to rescue customers suffered respiratory problems and severe smoke inhalation. They were treated at Police General Hospital and later discharged.
The national police chief has instructed relevant authorities to review possible welfare benefits, awards and official recognition for officers involved in the rescue operation.
Beyond identifying the immediate cause of the fire, police are also investigating the ownership structure and financial operations of the business.
Company records list the injured owner and the owner’s mother as registered owners. The owner, who remained on a ventilator, was reported to be gradually recovering, while the mother has not been questioned as investigators believe she was not involved in daily operations.
The owner’s elder sister, who was described as part of the management team, has already provided a statement.
Police are also investigating claims that other individuals may have been undisclosed partners or financial beneficiaries of the business.
Financial records are being examined to determine how profits were distributed after operating expenses and employee wages were paid.
Anyone found to have shared profits or played a role in managing the venue could face legal action, police said.
No charges had been filed at the time of the latest briefing.
Investigators are expected to charge the owner once the individual’s medical condition improves and communication is possible.
Possible charges include negligence causing death and serious injury, negligence resulting in a fire, unauthorised building modifications and operating beyond the conditions of the venue’s licence.
Police will also investigate whether district officials failed to carry out required inspections or neglected their duties. Officials found responsible could face legal proceedings.
The completed investigation file will combine forensic, medical, engineering and administrative evidence before being submitted to prosecutors and the courts.
Authorities said the investigation is being expedited following instructions from the prime minister, with the case to proceed once all official reports have been completed. - July 17, 2026
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