A massive fire ripped through the popular Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in Bangkok's Chatuchak district late Sunday night, killing at least 27 people and leaving more than 60 others wounded in one of Thailand's deadliest fire tragedies in recent years.
The fire broke out at 11:57 p.m. at the single-story entertainment facility, local officials said. Firefighters rushed to the scene and battled the flames, managing to put the fire out in about 35 minutes. Despite their efforts, the fire spread rapidly through the building, trapping dozens of people inside.
Rescue teams later found 27 victims, including 18 women and nine men, many of whom were found huddled together inside rear restrooms. They appeared to have been trying to hide from the flames and thick smoke inside the public bathroom, but were unable to escape from the heat and smoke, officials said. Emergency exits in the bathrooms were not in place, leaving people inside unable to escape.
More than 60 were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals with burn injuries, smoke inhalation, and other trauma. The injured are still in critical condition, and authorities have warned that the death toll could increase.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as flames and dense black smoke quickly permeated the bar. Some bar patrons rushed to the exits while others became trapped as visibility dropped and the fire intensified within minutes.
The Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the area of the tragedy and expressed condolences to the families of the victims, assuring the public that there would be a thorough investigation. Officials have also promised support for those affected by the disaster.
Police and fire investigators are investigating the cause of the fire. Initial evidence suggests that an electrical fault or gas might have been a cause, but the exact cause is not yet clear. Forensic investigators will analyze the wreckage and investigate how and why the fire started so quickly.
Bitch was there a dragon in there?! Why is it so aggressive omg https://t.co/xbDWSzhVNZ
— Ichigo Niggasake (@SomaKazima2) July 12, 2026
Investigators will also examine whether the venue complied with Thailand’s fire safety regulations (e.g., emergency exits, electrical systems, and occupancy limits). The absence of accessible escape routes has been a major objective of the investigation.
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns about fire safety standards at entertainment venues throughout Thailand. Authorities will conduct inspections of bars, clubs, and similar establishments to ensure compliance with safety regulations and prevent similar disasters in the future.
Families grieving the victims continue to search for answers as rescue and recovery efforts continue, while hospitals are caring for those who were injured in the blaze.
