A devastating fire that tore through a packed Bangkok entertainment venue late on Sunday night has left at least 27 people dead and dozens more injured, with three members of a performing band among the victims.
The blaze broke out at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, a popular venue in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, shortly before midnight on 12 July while Thai band Thotsakan was performing on stage.
According to reports, the fire is believed to have started near the stage area before rapidly spreading throughout the establishment. Firefighters managed to bring the inferno under control within around 30 minutes, but the damage had already been done.
Among those killed were three members of Thotsakan — female singer Breeze, keyboardist Kwan, and drummer Bew. The band later confirmed their deaths through posts on its Facebook page.
Another band member, known as Din, was initially reported missing but was later located.
Lead Singer Escaped Moments Before Fire Broke Out
In a tragic twist of fate, Thotsakan’s lead singer Tik Chaichana reportedly survived only because he had stepped away from the stage for a toilet break moments before the fire erupted.
After noticing the blaze, he escaped through a rear exit. Footage circulating online showed the visibly distressed singer collapsing into the arms of a bystander after making it out alive.
The incident has shocked many across Thailand, with social media flooded with tributes to the victims and harrowing images from the aftermath.
27 Dead, 63 Injured In One Of Thailand’s Worst Fire Disasters
Authorities confirmed that 27 people, comprising nine men and 18 women, lost their lives in the tragedy.
A further 63 people were injured, with at least 22 reported to be in critical condition.
Emergency responders arriving at the scene were met with chaotic scenes as rescue workers attempted to revive unconscious victims outside the burning venue. Survivors suffering severe burns and smoke inhalation were seen covered in soot and visibly traumatised.
As recovery operations continued through the night, bodies recovered from the building were laid out along the roadside while forensic teams worked to identify the deceased.
Victims Allegedly Trapped By Blocked Exits
Preliminary investigations suggest that many of the victims may have died from smoke inhalation rather than direct burns.
Firefighters reportedly discovered numerous bodies inside a bathroom located at the rear of the venue, where victims are believed to have sought refuge from the flames.
Investigators are also examining claims that evacuation efforts were hampered by blocked or inaccessible emergency exits.
Local reports indicated that some emergency exits were obstructed, while one door was allegedly bolted shut to prevent customers from leaving without paying. There were also reports that the venue lacked adequate fire exit signage.
Authorities believe flammable decorative materials attached to the ceiling may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire throughout the premises.
Families To Receive Financial Assistance
Following the tragedy, Thai authorities announced compensation measures for those affected.
Families of those who lost their lives will receive 29,300 baht (approximately S$1,135), while injured victims undergoing treatment will receive 4,000 baht (around S$155) in assistance.
Investigations into the cause of the fire and potential safety violations remain ongoing as Thailand mourns one of the country’s deadliest entertainment venue disasters in recent years.