Bangkok pub fire kills at least 27 people

A massive fire at a popular pub in the northern part of Bangkok has resulted in at least 27 deaths, according to officials at the scene. The incident, which occurred at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao venue in the Chatuchak district, unfolded early Monday, 13 July 2026. The blaze prompted a significant emergency response, with casualties arriving at hospitals throughout the night as firefighters worked to contain the flames.

Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the death toll during a visit to the site. The Prime Minister noted that forensic teams recovered 27 bodies from the ruins of the building. Initial reports regarding the composition of the victims indicate that 18 of the deceased were women and nine were men. According to the Bangkok Governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, 63 people were transported to medical facilities for treatment, with 22 of those individuals currently reported to be in critical condition.

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The tragedy began shortly after midnight on Monday, though reports suggest that the fire may have been noticed by passersby as early as 23:30 on Sunday, 12 July 2026. One driver told The Daily News that he saw the venue on fire at that time and leapt from his car to break windows to help two people escape. Other witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with patrons scrambling to exit as flames erupted from the front of the building.

Footage from the scene captured the intensity of the blaze, which some observers compared to the exhaust of a jet engine or a blowtorch as it surged through the entrance. Witnesses reported seeing individuals fleeing while their clothing was on fire, while others struggled to escape the rapid encroachment of thick, black smoke. Laotian tourist Kan Kutirat, who was drinking at the bar around 22:00 on Sunday, said he noticed smoke rising near the stage and heard loud screaming. I could only get one person out. I tried my best. I'm sorry, he said.

Testimony provided by a musician who was performing at the venue suggests the fire originated near the stage. The musician told Prime Minister Anutin that he observed smoke emanating from a circuit breaker, which was followed immediately by a total loss of power and an explosion that rapidly filled the interior with smoke. The Prime Minister noted that many victims were discovered in the restrooms at the back of the building, where they had apparently retreated to escape the encroaching fire and smoke, only to find themselves trapped in an area without an exit.

Questions have emerged regarding the building’s safety features. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt indicated that the rapid spread of the fire was likely exacerbated by highly flammable interior decorations. Furthermore, the Governor stated that reports suggest temporary structures, such as tables selling candy and other merchandise, may have obstructed fire exits, though he emphasized that this claim requires a formal investigation by forensic experts. The Governor added that smoke was likely the main cause of death.

Local authorities, including police and firefighters from the Phaholyothin, Phaya Thai, and Huai Khwang fire stations, battled the inferno using three water hoses. Thai national police announced via social media at approximately 02:00 on Monday that the blaze had been brought under control, a process that took about half an hour. The aftermath revealed a charred interior with melted furniture and debris coated in thick ash and white dust. Many windows of the bar were blown out, and the smell of burned plastic lingered for several hours.

A registration center was established near the cordoned-off scene to assist relatives seeking information about missing loved ones, as several victims were found without identification or were unconscious upon discovery. Some of the victims' mobile phones were recovered at the site. Singer Sukanya Wongwongwai, who rushed to the scene because her bandmates were performing, said one bandmate died, three were hospitalized, and one has not yet been located. The family of a waitress from Laos who worked at the venue also reported her missing to Sky News.

This incident is the latest in a series of deadly pub fires in Thailand. Past tragedies include a 2022 fire at a music pub in the eastern part of the country that claimed 14 lives, and a 2009 fire at the Santika nightclub in Bangkok that resulted in 66 deaths and more than 200 injuries during a New Year’s Eve celebration on 1 January 2009, which was reportedly sparked by indoor fireworks.

What to watch next

• Victim Identification: Authorities are continuing to process identifications for those who were not carrying personal identification at the time of the fire.
• Missing Persons: Families remain at the site or in contact with authorities, as some individuals reported present at the venue, including workers from Laos, have not yet been located.
• Safety Investigation: Forensic officers must conduct an official investigation into whether merchandise tables obstructed fire exits and the exact cause of the circuit breaker explosion.

While the immediate danger has passed, the investigation into the management and structural safety of the Na Ladprao pub is ongoing. For further updates on international emergency events, refer to the World coverage section.