Bangkok bar fire kills 30 as authorities probe safety failures

BANGKOK: A deadly bar fire in Bangkok has killed at least 30 people and injured dozens more, as authorities investigate possible safety failures, including locked exits, poor emergency arrangements, and the use of flammable materials inside the venue.

The fire broke out late Sunday at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, a live music venue in Bangkok, turning the building into a deadly inferno within minutes.

Survivors reported difficulties escaping due to unclear emergency exits and blocked pathways, raising concerns over whether proper safety measures were followed.

Thai police said the rapid spread of the flames may have been linked to the use of highly combustible materials in the venue’s decorations.

“This indicates a lack of caution and disregard for the safety of patrons,” Police General Kittiratt Phanphet said on Monday.

Thai officials are examining whether negligence contributed to the tragedy after survivors reported that some doors were locked and emergency exits were not clearly marked.

As of Tuesday, authorities had identified 27 of the victims, while more than 70 people were injured, including 24 in critical condition.

Many victims were found inside restrooms located at the back of the bar, where investigators believe customers rushed while trying to escape the flames.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have started due to a short circuit in an air-conditioning unit, which quickly caused a power outage inside the venue.

However, former visitors said the bar was already dark and difficult to navigate before the fire.

A previous customer, Phatsara Khamloet, told BBC Thai that reaching the restroom required following a “winding route” and that emergency exits were not properly visible.

Fire safety expert Busakorn Saensuk from the Engineering Institute of Thailand inspected the site and said the door near the restrooms appeared to have been locked.

She also found that the two main entrance doors were partially blocked by furniture and other objects.

Busakorn said customers would naturally move away from the flames toward the back of the venue, where the restrooms were located.

“But once they reached the back, they couldn’t get out,” she said.

She added that properly illuminated emergency exit signs could have helped people identify escape routes and locate doors during the emergency.

Investigators believe the materials used inside the venue played a major role in the rapid spread of the fire.

Busakorn said the stage area was decorated with highly flammable materials, including plastic flowers, while combustible foam was used on the ceiling.

Survivors said the stage was engulfed in flames within seconds after the fire started.

Thai indie band Thotsakan, which was performing at the venue when the blaze broke out, lost two members in the tragedy.

Experts believe toxic smoke inhalation may have significantly increased the death toll.

Worsak Kanok Nukulchai, a professor specialising in structural engineering, said many victims may have died after inhaling poisonous gases before suffering severe burns.

He explained that burning materials can release dangerous substances, including carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, which are among the most harmful components of fire smoke.

Bangkok authorities confirmed that Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao was registered as a restaurant with live music rather than an entertainment venue.

Because of this classification, the establishment was not required to meet some stricter fire safety standards, including the use of certain fire-resistant materials.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said it was reviewing regulations related to construction materials and safety requirements for restaurants and entertainment venues.

According to PBS Thai, the owner of Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao previously operated another pub in Thailand’s Yasothon province that was also destroyed by fire in December 2019.

No casualties were reported in that incident because the fire occurred during daytime hours.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine whether safety violations, negligence, or regulatory failures contributed to the deadly Bangkok bar fire.