Bangkok Pub Fire Kills 27, Dozens Injured as Probe Begins

Bangkok: At least 27 people were killed and dozens injured after a massive fire engulfed a pub in Bangkok early Monday, officials said.

The blaze broke out around midnight at the Na Ladprao pub in the northern part of the city. Videos shared by first responders showed flames and thick black smoke engulfing the building as patrons tried to escape.

Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene, said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

According to him, a musician performing at the venue reported seeing smoke coming from a circuit breaker near the stage before the electricity failed. Moments later, an explosion was heard, and dense smoke rapidly filled the pub. Many victims were found in restrooms at the rear of the building.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said 63 people were taken to hospital, including 22 in critical condition. Authorities are working to identify victims, as many were unconscious or were not carrying identification.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about 30 minutes. Images from the scene showed the pub's interior gutted, with charred tables, chairs and extensive structural damage.

Authorities also established a registration centre to help relatives locate missing family members.

Thailand has witnessed several deadly nightclub and pub fires in the past, including a 2022 blaze at a music pub that killed 14 people and the 2009 Santika nightclub fire in Bangkok, in which 66 people were killed and more than 200 injured after an indoor fireworks display sparked a fire.