A huge fire tore through a bar in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, early on Monday, killing 27 people and injuring 63 others after thick smoke and blocked emergency exits trapped patrons inside, officials said.
The blaze broke out around midnight at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in a busy area of northern Bangkok, close to shopping malls, cinemas, parks and the popular Chatuchak weekend market.
Footage shared online by first responders shows a huge blaze raging and plumes coming out of the front door of the pub.
Officials said an initial investigation suggests the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit in an air-conditioning unit installed in the ceiling.
Based on survivors' accounts, officials said the fire started near the stage and spread rapidly, forcing many people to flee towards the back of the pub.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said beer crates blocked one emergency exit near the kitchen, while a table obstructed another, hampering evacuation. He said forensic investigators would examine the scene to determine the exact cause.
Many of victims were found at the restrooms, at the back of the pub.
Key Points
- 27 people killed in fire started at pub
- Officials say blocked emergency exits hindered escape from Bangkok pub fire
- What do we know about Bangkok's deadly fire so far
- Authorities identify 10 victims after Bangkok fire
- Map: Where did the deadly fire take place in Bangkok?
Firefighters describe smoke-filled chaos as victims tried to escape fire
07:34 , Shweta Sharma
A firefighter who was among the first responders to the Bangkok nightclub fire said the blaze quickly filled the venue with thick smoke, leaving patrons trapped inside as they desperately searched for a way out.
Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom, 45, said he arrived with the first fire engine to find the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub on fire, with several people stranded inside and others trying to escape through the back of the building.
"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."
He said the few people who managed to escape through the front entrance had suffered burns.
Body-camera footage showed firefighters wearing oxygen masks moving through the darkened remains of the pub with torches as they searched for survivors, according to Reuters.
Buddhist monks visit the site of fire to offer prayers
07:06 , Shweta Sharma
Buddhist monks have visited the site of the deadly Bangkok pub fire to offer prayers for those who lost their lives.
The monks performed prayers outside the burned venue as rescue workers and investigators continued their work at the scene.
Anxious relatives gather as authorities work to identify victims
06:52 , Shweta Sharma
Relatives of those caught up in the deadly Bangkok pub fire have gathered at hospitals and government offices, desperately seeking information about their loved ones.
Authorities are working to identify all of the victims, but the process has been complicated because many were not carrying identification, while others remain unconscious in hospital.
So far, only 10 victims have been identified.
Some family members have also gone to the Police Hospital morgue in an effort to identify those killed in the blaze.
Major fires in Thailand: Deadliest blazes in recent decades
06:45 , Shweta Sharma
The deadly fire at Bangkok's Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub, which killed 27 people and left dozens injured, is the latest in a series of devastating fires in Thailand over the past three decades.
Here are some of the country's deadliest fires:
29 December 2024: Three foreign tourists from the United States, Brazil and Ukraine were killed in a hotel fire near Bangkok's popular backpacker district.
1 October 2024: At least 23 people died when a school bus carrying more than 40 students and teachers caught fire on the outskirts of Bangkok.
30 July 2023: Twelve people were killed and more than 100 injured after firecrackers exploded in a warehouse in Narathiwat province near the Malaysian border.
5 August 2022: A fire at the Mountain B nightclub in Chonburi province killed at least 13 people and injured 35 others.
5 July 2021: A firefighter was killed, 29 people were injured and thousands were evacuated after an explosion at a factory in Samut Prakan province.
1 January 2009: At least 65 people were killed and more than 200 injured in a fire at Bangkok's Santika nightclub during New Year celebrations.
11 July 1997: At least 90 people died in a fire at a 16-storey beachfront hotel in Pattaya after a cooking gas explosion sparked a rapidly spreading blaze.
10 May 1993: Thailand's deadliest industrial fire claimed 188 lives and injured nearly 500 workers at the Kader Industrial toy factory in Nakhon Pathom.
Thai PM orders full investigation into deadly Bangkok pub fire
06:23 , Shweta Sharma
Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene of the deadly Bangkok pub fire early on Monday and ordered a full investigation into what he described as a "national tragedy".
"We have recovered 27 bodies, others are being sent to hospital," Anutin said after visiting the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub, where the fire broke out at 11.57pm local time on Sunday.
The blaze killed 27 people and injured 63 others, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the venue's emergency exits.
Where did the deadly fire take place in Bangkok?
06:08 , Shweta Sharma
The deadly fire engulfed a popular Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in Bangkok.
It is located in a busy commercial district, near Phahon Yothin MRT station, Union Mall and Central Ladprao shopping mall.
It is also a short drive away from the popular Chatuchak Park and Chatuchak Weekend Market.
The pub had live music performers, two bars and a kitchen, with a total capacity of more than 300 people.
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What do we know about Bangkok's deadly fire so far?
05:38 , Shweta Sharma
A fire at a popular pub in Bangkok has killed 27 people in one of the deadliest such incidents in the tourism hub in recent years.
Another 63 people have been injured and are in critical condition.
Rescuers said the fire was reported around midnight and was under control after around 30 minutes.
A musician performing at the pub that caught ablaze on Monday morning said he saw smoke coming out of a circuit breaker near the stage before the power went out.
He told Thailand’s leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, that an explosion was heard and thick smoke quickly filled the place.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the pub had procured proper permits and had fire exits.
But later said the exits were blocked.
"There are two fire exits, one is near the kitchen. There were beer crates in the way," he told reporters, adding that there was a table in the way of the other fire exit, hindering evacuation.
"We need to wait for forensic investigators to examine the scene more closely," he added.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Officials say blocked emergency exits hindered escape from Bangkok pub fire
05:02 , Shweta Sharma
Thai officials said obstructed emergency exits hampered patrons' attempts to escape the Bangkok pub fire that killed 27 people and injured 63 others.
Based on survivors' accounts, investigators believe the fire started near the stage at the front of the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub before spreading rapidly, forcing many people to flee towards the back of the venue.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said one emergency exit near the kitchen was blocked by beer crates, while a table obstructed a second exit, hindering the evacuation.
"There are two fire exits, one is near the kitchen. There were beer crates in the way," Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt told reporters, adding that there was a table in the way of the other fire exit, hindering evacuation.
"We need to wait for forensic investigators to examine the scene more closely," he added.
Authorities said an initial assessment suggests the blaze was caused by an electrical short circuit in a ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit, although forensic investigators are continuing to examine the scene to determine the exact cause.
Authorities identify 10 victims after Bangkok fire
04:28 , Shweta Sharma
Authorities have confirmed the identities of 10 of the 27 people killed in the brewery fire near Lat Phrao Soi 1, as forensic teams continue working to identify the remaining victims.
The latest official toll stands at 27 dead, including nine men and 18 women, while 63 people were injured. Officials said the fire has now been fully brought under control.
The identified victims are Nahathai Satcharolet, Aphinan Pengsri, Pitsanu Taengsopa, Nipaporn Jamjaeng, Top Sarobl, Apinya Sukthongla, Phonepaseut Pounqppany, a Laotian national, Atcharaporn Suthisin, Suwitcha Sirililung and Kanoktip Srisuk.
Authorities said the identities of the remaining 17 victims are expected to be confirmed through forensic examinations.
Bangkok announces compensation for nightclub fire victims
04:07 , Shweta Sharma
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has announced compensation for victims of the deadly nightclub fire, including a consolation payment of 29,700 baht (about £664) to the family of each person killed, according to Thai media outlet Thairath.
People injured in the fire and requiring hospital treatment will receive 4,000 baht, while other injured victims will be given 2,300 baht.
Those who were present at the venue but did not sustain any injuries will receive 2,000 baht in compensation.
Firefighters describe smoke-filled chaos as victims tried to escape fire
03:51 , Shweta Sharma
A firefighter who was among the first responders to the Bangkok nightclub fire said the blaze quickly filled the venue with thick smoke, leaving patrons trapped inside as they desperately searched for a way out.
Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom, 45, said he arrived with the first fire engine to find the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub on fire, with several people stranded inside and others trying to escape through the back of the building.
"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."
He said the few people who managed to escape through the front entrance had suffered burns.
Body-camera footage showed firefighters wearing oxygen masks moving through the darkened remains of the pub with torches as they searched for survivors, according to Reuters.
What do we know about Bangkok's deadly fire so far?
03:00 , Harriette Boucher
An fire at a popular pub in Bangkok has killed 27 people in one of the deadliest such incidents in the tourism hub in recent years.
Another 63 people have been injured and are in critical condition.
Rescuers said the fire was reported around midnight and was under control after around 30 minutes.
A musician performing at the pub that caught ablaze on Monday morning said he saw smoke coming out of a circuit breaker near the stage before the power went out.
He told Thailand’s leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, that an explosion was heard and thick smoke quickly filled the place.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the pub had procured proper permits and had fire exits.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Aftermath of deadly fire that raged through Bangkok pub
02:30 , Harriette Boucher
Firefighters hunted through darkened remains for survivors
02:00 , Harriette Boucher
Body-camera footage from an emergency worker seen by Reuters shows firefighters in oxygen masks moving through the darkened remains of the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub with torches as they searched for survivors.
Several victims can be seen lying prone on the floor near the pub's toilets while rescue workers carry in stretchers.
The video also shows what appears to be the fire-damaged main room of the venue, with bar tables and stools still visible.
At least 27 people have been killed and another 63 are injured.
'I didn't see anybody trying to run', says musician
01:30 , Harriette Boucher
A band member at the venue has told local media that smoke suddenly filled the room after the lights briefly went out, and a massive explosion and fire followed.
“After the explosion I didn't see anybody trying to run, most of them were on the floor asking for help," he told reporters.
“I ran towards the door from the stage, about five metres. It was dark and there was smoke, no oxygen.”
Aftermath of fatal fire that engulfed a Bangkok pub
01:00 , Harriette Boucher
Pub had permits and fire exits but fire spread rapidly, says governor
Monday 13 July 2026 00:30 , Harriette Boucher
The pub engulfed by a deadly fire had procured proper permits and had fire exits, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said.
He added that the fire spread rapidly and smoke filled the room, potentially making it hard for patrons to escape.
Many of victims were found at the restrooms, at the back of the pub.
Where did the deadly fire take place in Bangkok?
Monday 13 July 2026 00:00 , Harriette Boucher
The pub engulfed by a deadly far has been named as Rong Beer Na Lat Phra by local media.
It is in the northern part of Bangkok in the Chatuchak District.
In pictures: Relatives of victims await updates after 27 killed in fire
Sunday 12 July 2026 23:30 , Harriette Boucher
Power in pub went out before explosion was heard, says witness
Sunday 12 July 2026 23:13 , Harriette Boucher
A musician performing at the pub that caught ablaze on Monday morning said he saw smoke coming out of a circuit breaker near the stage before the power went out.
He told Thailand’s leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, that an explosion was heard and thick smoke quickly filled the place.
Many of victims were found in the restrooms, at the back of the pub, the prime minister added.
At least 22 people in critical condition
Sunday 12 July 2026 23:08 , Harriette Boucher
Bangkok’s governor has announced that 63 people have been injured in the fire that engulfed a pub in Thailand’s capital on Monday.
At least 22 of those people are in critical condition.
According to an official, the number of deaths has stabilised at 27.
Third major fire at a Bangkok pub in two decades
Sunday 12 July 2026 21:34 , Alex Ross
Thailand has seen similar tragedies in the past.
In 2022, 14 people were killed by a fire at a music pub in the eastern part of the country.
And more than a decade before that, 66 people were killed and more than 200 injured in a fire during a January 1, 2009 New Year's Eve celebration at the Santika nightclub in Thailand's capital. That blaze was apparently sparked by an indoor fireworks display.
In pictures: Rescuers at scene of huge fire
Sunday 12 July 2026 21:27 , Alex Ross
Rescuers arrived at the pub to assist those wounded in the flames.
Fire reported at around midnight on Sunday
Sunday 12 July 2026 21:23 , Alex Ross
Rescuers said the fire was reported around midnight. Footage shared online by first responders shows huge blaze raging out of the front door of the pub in the northern part of the Thai capital as people tried to flee, with thick black smoke pluming into the sky.
Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters at the scene that 27 people died and several have been taken to the hospital.
He said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
27 people killed in fire started at pub
Sunday 12 July 2026 21:21 , Alex Ross
A fire that engulfed a pub in Bangkok early on Monday killed at least 27 people, the Associated Press reported, citing officials.
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the cause of the fire remained under investigation, according to AP.
Exact details were not immediately clear, but the fire was believed to have started at a pub in Bangkok's Chatuchak district, Sky News reported.
Local media identified the venue as Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, described by Sky News as a popular local venue.
