A devastating fire swept through a bar in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district late Sunday, killing at least 27 people and leaving eight others critically injured.
The blaze reportedly started near the venue’s stage before spreading rapidly, cutting off electricity and filling the premises with thick smoke.
Eyewitnesses said terrified patrons rushed for the exits, with some escaping through the flames and others suffering burns to their clothing.
Firefighters arrived shortly after midnight and brought the fire under control within about 30 minutes. Most of the victims were later found inside a bathroom, where they had apparently sought shelter from the flames.
More than 60 people are receiving treatment in hospital.
Preliminary probe points to possible electrical fault
Initial investigations by Bangkok’s disaster mitigation department indicate the fire may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit in an air conditioner. However, authorities stressed that the exact cause has yet to be confirmed and a full forensic investigation is underway.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene early Monday, said a musician performing at the venue told him there had been a loud blast before smoke and flames spread through the building.
According to the musician’s account, many patrons fled towards the rear of the premises and took refuge in the toilets, where they were later found.
Bangkok governor Chatchart Sittipunt said flammable ceiling decorations may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. He also noted reports that several people were found unconscious near an emergency exit, raising concerns that the escape route may have been obstructed. Authorities said these findings remain subject to forensic verification.
Smoke inhalation blamed for most deaths
Suriyachai Raviwan, director of Bangkok’s disaster mitigation department, said preliminary findings suggest most victims died from smoke inhalation.
The victims comprised nine men and 18 women.
Witnesses described desperate rescue efforts as the fire engulfed the venue. A motorcyclist told AFP he helped about five people escape by using clothing to extinguish flames on their bodies.
Another witness, the passing driver who alerted firefighters, told local media that he smashed windows to help two people escape.
By Monday morning, the venue had been sealed off as investigators examined the scene. Images showed shattered windows, fire-damaged furniture and walls blackened by smoke, while the smell of burning still lingered inside the building.
Thailand has seen similar deadly fires
The latest tragedy is one of several deadly fires involving entertainment venues in Thailand.
In 2022, a bar fire in a town south of Bangkok claimed 22 lives.
In 2009, a New Year’s Day nightclub fire in Bangkok killed 66 people and injured more than 200 others.
Last year, an electrical short circuit sparked a fire at Bangkok’s Chatuchak market, killing around 1,000 animals.
