At least 32 people died in the bar fire.Image: keystone
July 14, 2026, 07:27July 14, 2026, 07:27
Blocked escape routes, lack of fire protection and possibly unauthorized modifications: After the devastating fire that left dozens dead in a restaurant in Bangkok, investigators have identified numerous possible safety deficiencies. Meanwhile, according to the Bangkok Post newspaper, the number of deaths has risen to 32. Other Thai media, citing the authorities, said 30 were dead. More than 70 people were injured, around 20 of them seriously.
According to the Thai Interior Ministry, an escape route at the back of the restaurant was blocked by a candy stand. Another emergency exit was also marked with a “Do not open (staff only)” sign, which apparently further confused fleeing guests.
Short circuit as a trigger?
The fire suddenly broke out late on Sunday evening while a live band was playing in the Rong Beer Na Ladprao pub. Numerous guests then fatally fled to the back of the building, near the toilets – but found no escape there. The restaurant is located in the Chatuchak district, which many Thailand tourists also visit because of its famous weekend market.
Investigators are investigating how the fire started and why it was so devastating.Image: keystone
According to initial findings, the fire could have been caused by a short circuit in an air conditioning unit above the ceiling. However, the cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. According to authorities, the flames spread quickly because no fire-retardant materials were used in the building or the interior.
According to the police, the bar had two entrances at the front and two exits at the back. However, one of the exits was blocked by a sales stand. Another had no door handle and was also blocked by shelves, so that only a narrow passage remained, the Bangkok Post quoted police chief Kittharath Punpetch as saying. Investigators suspect that thick smoke and the power outage made people disoriented.
Were exits intentionally closed?
Police are also investigating reports that employees locked exits to prevent customers from leaving without paying their bill. However, there is no confirmation of this yet.
The authorities are also checking whether the bar was actually being operated legally as an entertainment venue. According to initial findings, there was only a permit as a restaurant with live music. Investigators are also investigating whether unauthorized modifications were made and whether failures in permits or controls contributed to the disaster. (nil/sda/dpa)