A massive fire broke out at a restaurant inside Bangkok’s famous Royal City Avenue (RCA) entertainment district on Monday evening (October 6), sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and sparking panic among visitors. Emergency crews rushed to the scene to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby clubs and bars.
According to Thailand’s Fire & Rescue Department, the blaze was reported around 5.11pm at a restaurant along Soi Sun Wichai–Rama 9, located in the Bang Kapi area of Huai Khwang district. Firefighters quickly arrived to battle the inferno as it threatened several neighbouring nightlife venues.
Videos shared online showed the restaurant completely engulfed in flames, situated just next to one of RCA’s most famous nightclubs, Route 66. Some Thai media outlets speculated that the burning restaurant might even be part of the club complex, though officials have yet to confirm the connection.
Thick Smoke Blankets Central Bangkok
Eyewitnesses reported seeing dense black smoke covering the Bangkok skyline, visible from several kilometres away. Videos of the fire went viral on social media as onlookers captured the dramatic scene. One clip showed firefighters trying to extinguish the blaze with extinguishers inside the restaurant, but the flames continued to rage.
Authorities have yet to confirm the restaurant’s name or the cause of the fire, though investigations are ongoing. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far. Officials also have not disclosed how many employees or customers were present when the fire broke out.
The scene at RCA, one of Bangkok’s best-known nightlife districts, drew large crowds as fire trucks and emergency responders worked to bring the situation under control. Traffic along Rama 9 Road was temporarily diverted while firefighters tackled the blaze.
RCA’s History of Fire Incidents
This is not the first time RCA has been hit by a fire. In 2018, a blaze broke out at App Arena Bar, damaging several vehicles before being contained within 30 minutes. Earlier, in 2016, another fire destroyed 20 rooms in a nearby workers’ housing compound linked to a construction project.
While RCA remains a hotspot for tourists and locals seeking nightlife entertainment, the incident has once again raised questions about fire safety standards in Bangkok’s entertainment venues. Authorities are expected to tighten inspections to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For now, the fire serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly celebration can turn to chaos — even in the city’s most popular entertainment zones.