Death Toll Rises in Thai Pub Fire Following Blocked Emergency Exits

A catastrophic fire at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao pub in Bangkok has left at least 27 dead and over 70 injured, as investigators probe claims that exits were intentionally obstructed.

The Deadly Blaze at Na Ladprao

The fire broke out on Sunday night during a live music performance at the popular Rong Beer Na Ladprao venue. Following the initial outbreak, authorities confirmed 27 fatalities and more than 70 injuries, with 24 victims remaining in critical condition.

Witnesses and performers reported seeing smoke emanating from the electrical wiring, followed by a power failure and an explosion that filled the venue with thick smoke. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze after a half-hour rescue mission.

Obstructed Exits and Safety Failures

Police Chief Kittharath Punpetch confirmed that one emergency exit was blocked by a candy stand, while another lacked a handle and was obstructed by shelving, leaving survivors with only a narrow passage for escape. Investigators are verifying reports that staff may have locked exits to prevent patrons from leaving without paying their bills.

Fire safety expert Busakorn Saensuk noted that the lack of illuminated exit signage prevented customers from locating the locked doors during the panic. Additionally, the use of flammable decorative materials near the stage likely contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Investigation and Regulatory Gaps

Authorities believe the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit in a ceiling air conditioner. Bangkok officials stated that the venue was registered as a “restaurant with live music” rather than an “entertainment venue,” exempting it from mandatory fire-resistant material requirements.

It has been revealed that the owner previously managed another bar in Thailand that was destroyed by fire in December 2019, though that incident resulted in no fatalities. The last safety inspection at Na Ladprao was conducted in April.

A History of Venue Tragedies in Thailand

This incident follows a series of past venue fires in Thailand, including a 2022 blaze that killed 14 people in an eastern bar. One of the nation’s deadliest tragedies occurred at the Santika Club in 2009, where a New Year’s Eve fire caused by indoor fireworks killed 66 people and injured over 200.