Panic and deep concern have gripped the public following the tragedy that unfolded in the early hours of Sunday (July 13) at a bar in Bangkok, Thailand, when a fire that broke out near the venue’s stage triggered a powerful explosion, killing at least 27 people. New details emerging from the police investigation are beginning to shed light on the likely cause of the disaster.
The current death toll stands at 27 killed, 63 injured, and many still unaccounted for. According to authorities, the thick smoke generated by the fire, combined with blocked emergency exits, trapped patrons inside the establishment.
Early findings from the investigation point to an electrical short circuit in an air conditioning unit installed in the ceiling of the building as the probable cause of the blaze.
Thailand bar fire kills 27 in Bangkok: How the tragedy unfolded
The fire broke out around midnight at the “Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao” bar, located in a busy area of northern Bangkok, close to shopping centers, cinemas, parks, and the popular Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Videos posted online by first responders show a massive blaze raging, with thick columns of smoke pouring out from the bar’s front entrance.
Fire breaks out at a pub in Bangkok, killing at least 27 people: A huge fire engulfed a pub in Bangkok, killing at least 27 people before firefighters brought the blaze under control, officials said.#bangkok #fire #thailand #pub #blaze #breakingnews pic.twitter.com/nVtLuTflLk
— Lokmat Times Nagpur (@LokmatTimes_ngp) July 12, 2026
Based on survivor testimonies, authorities reported that the fire started near the stage and spread rapidly, forcing many people to flee toward the back of the pub.
🚨 BREAKING: At least 27 people were killed and 63 injured after a massive fire tore through a packed pub in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.
There are growing concerns that foreign nationals may be among the victims, with overseas authorities making urgent inquiries as… pic.twitter.com/DTFHKRvmvY
— NGO-SUGAR (@ngosugartp) July 12, 2026
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that beer crates were blocking one emergency exit near the kitchen, while a table was obstructing another, severely hampering evacuation efforts.
He also noted that forensic investigators would examine the scene to determine the exact cause of the fire. Many of the victims were found in the restrooms at the rear of the pub, where they had retreated in a desperate attempt to survive. “The fire itself wasn’t that intense, but the smoke had filled 100% of the space. Smoke was everywhere,” said a firefighter at the scene. “Most of the survivors were choking on smoke.” He added that the few people who managed to escape through the main entrance had suffered burns.
Thailand: Anguish for families as victim identification drags on after deadly Bangkok pub fire
Relatives of those killed in the deadly Bangkok pub fire have gathered at hospitals and government offices, desperately searching for information about their loved ones.
Authorities are working to identify all the victims, but the process has been complicated by the fact that many patrons were not carrying identification, while others remain unconscious in hospital.
So far, only 10 victims have been identified. Some family members have also made their way to the morgue at the Police General Hospital in an effort to identify those who lost their lives in the fire.
