Bangkok pub fire kills at least 27 as cause is investigated

A fire tore through a pub in northern Bangkok early Monday, killing at least 27 people and injuring several others, officials said. The toll makes the blaze one of Thailand’s deadliest nightclub disasters in recent years and has renewed attention on safety risks at crowded entertainment venues.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters at the scene that 27 people had died and that several injured people were taken to hospitals. He said authorities were still investigating what caused the fire at the Na Ladprao pub.

First responders said the fire was reported around midnight. Video they shared online showed flames at the front of the pub and heavy smoke rising as people tried to escape.

Anutin said a musician who had been performing inside the venue told him smoke appeared to come from a circuit breaker near the stage before the electricity failed. The musician then heard an explosion, according to Anutin, and dense smoke spread rapidly through the pub.

Many of the people who died were found in restrooms at the rear of the building, Anutin said. Officials did not immediately release the identities of the victims.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about 30 minutes, according to officials. Images from the aftermath showed burned tables and chairs and heavy damage inside the pub.

Thailand has seen deadly venue fires before

The Bangkok fire follows earlier fatal blazes at Thai nightlife venues. In 2022, a fire at a music pub in eastern Thailand killed 14 people.

On Jan. 1, 2009, 66 people were killed and more than 200 were injured during a New Year’s celebration at the Santika nightclub in Bangkok. That fire was apparently started by an indoor fireworks display, officials said at the time.

Authorities have not said whether safety systems, exits or building conditions played a role in the Na Ladprao pub fire. Anutin said the investigation into the cause was continuing.

This story draws on original reporting from NPR.