Bangkok Bar Fire Kills 27, Leaves 22 Critically Injured as Thailand Launches Investigation

Deadly Fire Engulfs Bangkok Bar in Chatuchak District

BANGKOK, July 13, 2026: At least 27 people were killed and 22 others were critically injured after a massive fire swept through a bar in Bangkok's Chatuchak district late Sunday night, authorities said.

The blaze erupted near the stage inside Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao before rapidly spreading through the venue, cutting power and filling the building with thick smoke. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as customers rushed toward the exits, with some escaping while their clothes were on fire.

Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after midnight and managed to bring the fire under control within about 30 minutes. Most of the victims were later found inside a bathroom, where they had apparently sought refuge from the flames and smoke.

Electrical Fault Suspected as Possible Cause

Preliminary findings from Bangkok's disaster mitigation department suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit in an air-conditioning unit. However, officials stressed that the exact cause has not yet been confirmed and will be determined through a detailed forensic investigation.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the site early Monday and said a musician performing at the venue told him there was a loud blast before smoke and flames spread rapidly through the building. According to the musician, many patrons ran toward the rear of the premises and hid in the restroom, where several victims were later discovered.

Most Victims Died from Smoke Inhalation

Authorities said nine men and 18 women were among those killed in the tragedy. More than 60 people are receiving treatment at hospitals, including 22 who remain in critical condition.

Suriyachai Raviwan, Director of Bangkok's disaster mitigation department, said initial assessments indicate that the majority of the victims died due to smoke inhalation.

Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt said highly 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 access may have been obstructed. Officials said these findings would be verified as part of the ongoing forensic investigation.

Eyewitnesses Describe Rescue Efforts

Witnesses described desperate attempts to rescue those trapped inside the burning building. A motorcyclist who stopped at the scene said he helped several people escape by using clothing to extinguish flames on their bodies.

Another witness who alerted emergency services reportedly broke windows to help people trapped inside the bar escape before firefighters arrived.

By Monday morning, authorities had cordoned off the site, with shattered windows and damaged furniture visible outside the entrance. The Chatuchak district office announced that the building housing the bar would remain closed for 30 days while investigations continue.

Compensation Announced for Victims' Families

Thai authorities announced financial assistance for those affected by the tragedy. Families of those who lost their lives will receive 29,300 Thai baht in compensation, while injured victims undergoing hospital treatment will receive 4,000 Thai baht.

Thailand's History of Deadly Fire Incidents

The Bangkok bar fire is the latest in a series of major fire disasters in Thailand. In 2022, a fire at a bar south of Bangkok claimed 22 lives. Earlier, on New Year's Day in 2009, a nightclub fire in the capital killed 66 people and injured more than 200 others.

More recently, in 2024, an electrical short circuit triggered a fire at Bangkok's famous Chatuchak market, resulting in the deaths of around 1,000 animals.

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