Bangkok pub fire: Officials investigate scene after at least 27 killed

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.Read more

A huge fire has ripped through a pub in Bangkok, killing at least 27 people before firefighters brought the blaze under control, officials said.

Footage shared online by first responders shows a huge blaze raging and plumes coming out of the front door of the pub in the northern part of the Thai capital.

Another 63 people were injured, including 22 people are in critical condition.

People are seen trying to flee as thick black smoke billows into the sky. Rescuers said the fire was reported around midnight.

Thailand prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters at the scene that 27 people died and that several of the injured have been taken to the hospital. He said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Mr Charnvirakul said a musician who was performing at the pub told him that he saw smoke coming out of a circuit breaker near the stage before the power went out, then an explosion was heard and thick smoke quickly filled the place.

Many of victims were found at the restrooms, at the back of the pub, he added. Firefighters took about half an hour to bring the fire under control. Photos of the aftermath show charred tables and chairs, and the damaged interior of the pub.

Authorities identify 10 victims after Bangkok fire

Authorities have confirmed the identities of 10 of the 27 people killed in the brewery fire near Lat Phrao Soi 1, as forensic teams continue working to identify the remaining victims.

The latest official toll stands at 27 dead, including nine men and 18 women, while 63 people were injured. Officials said the fire has now been fully brought under control.

Nuttakarn Sevoy, a friend of a victim, reacts after identifying the body at the Police hospital morgue, following a deadly fire at a pub (Reuters)

The identified victims are Nahathai Satcharolet, Aphinan Pengsri, Pitsanu Taengsopa, Nipaporn Jamjaeng, Top Sarobl, Apinya Sukthongla, Phonepaseut Pounqppany, a Laotian national, Atcharaporn Suthisin, Suwitcha Sirililung and Kanoktip Srisuk.

Authorities said the identities of the remaining 17 victims are expected to be confirmed through forensic examinations.

Shweta Sharma13 July 2026 04:28

Bangkok announces compensation for nightclub fire victims

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has announced compensation for victims of the deadly nightclub fire, including a consolation payment of 29,700 baht (about £664) to the family of each person killed, according to Thai media outlet Thairath.

People injured in the fire and requiring hospital treatment will receive 4,000 baht, while other injured victims will be given 2,300 baht.

Those who were present at the venue but did not sustain any injuries will receive 2,000 baht in compensation.

Shweta Sharma13 July 2026 04:07

Firefighters describe smoke-filled chaos as victims tried to escape fire

A firefighter who was among the first responders to the Bangkok nightclub fire said the blaze quickly filled the venue with thick smoke, leaving patrons trapped inside as they desperately searched for a way out.

Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom, 45, said he arrived with the first fire engine to find the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub on fire, with several people stranded inside and others trying to escape through the back of the building.

(Reuters)

“The fire was not that aggressive, but the smoke had engulfed 100% of the venue. The smoke was everywhere,” he said. “Most of the survivors were choking on smoke.”

He said the few people who managed to escape through the front entrance had suffered burns.

Body-camera footage showed firefighters wearing oxygen masks moving through the darkened remains of the pub with torches as they searched for survivors, according to Reuters.

People run as flames rise at a pub in Bangkok, Thailand (Reuters)

Shweta Sharma13 July 2026 03:51

What do we know about Bangkok’s deadly fire so far?

An fire at a popular pub in Bangkok has killed 27 people in one of the deadliest such incidents in the tourism hub in recent years.

Another 63 people have been injured and are in critical condition.

Rescuers said the fire was reported around midnight and was under control after around 30 minutes.

A musician performing at the pub that caught ablaze on Monday morning said he saw smoke coming out of a circuit breaker near the stage before the power went out.

He told Thailand’s leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, that an explosion was heard and thick smoke quickly filled the place.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the pub had procured proper permits and had fire exits.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Harriette Boucher13 July 2026 03:00

Aftermath of deadly fire that raged through Bangkok pub

(Reuters)(AFP/Getty)(Reuters)

Harriette Boucher13 July 2026 02:30

Firefighters hunted through darkened remains for survivors

Body-camera footage from an emergency worker seen by Reuters shows firefighters in oxygen masks moving through the darkened remains of the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub with torches as they searched for survivors.

Several victims can be seen lying prone on the floor near the pub’s toilets while rescue workers carry in stretchers.

The video also shows what appears to be the fire-damaged main room of the venue, with bar tables and stools still visible.

At least 27 people have been killed and another 63 are injured.

Harriette Boucher13 July 2026 02:00

‘I didn’t see anybody trying to run’, says musician

A band member at the venue has told ‌local media that smoke suddenly filled the room after ⁠the lights briefly went out, and a massive explosion and fire followed.

“After the explosion I didn’t see anybody trying to run, most of them were on the floor asking for help,” he told reporters.

“I ran towards the door ​from the stage, about five metres. It was dark ‌and there was smoke, no oxygen.”

Harriette Boucher13 July 2026 01:30

Aftermath of fatal fire that engulfed a Bangkok pub

Fire & Rescue Thailand (Fire & Rescue Thailand)Bangkok fire (Fire & Rescue Thailand)Fire & Rescue Thailand (Fire & Rescue Thailand)

Harriette Boucher13 July 2026 01:00

Pub had permits and fire exits but fire spread rapidly, says governor

The pub engulfed by a deadly fire had procured proper permits and had fire exits, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said.

He added that the fire spread rapidly and smoke filled the room, potentially making it hard for patrons to escape.

Many of victims were found at the restrooms, at the back of the pub.

Harriette Boucher13 July 2026 00:30

Where did the deadly fire take place in Bangkok?

The pub engulfed by a deadly far has been named as Rong Beer Na Lat Phra by local media.

It is in the northern part of Bangkok in the Chatuchak District.

Harriette Boucher13 July 2026 00:00