Fresh allegations have emerged following the deadly Bangkok nightclub fire, with survivors and rescuers claiming that emergency exits may have been locked or blocked because customers had not settled their bills.
However, Thai authorities have yet to verify the claims.
The allegations surfaced after the devastating blaze at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao nightclub, which killed and injured multiple patrons.
Claims centre on emergency exits
According to reports, a rescuer told Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul that one emergency exit appeared to have been locked during the fire.
The rescuer speculated that the exit may have been secured to prevent customers from leaving the venue without paying, though authorities have not confirmed this account.
A female survivor also alleged that she attempted to open a rear emergency exit to help people trapped near the toilets during the fire.
However, she claimed that three security guards stopped her and told her they needed permission from the nightclub owners before the door could be opened.
The allegations quickly spread online, fuelling anger and speculation that people may have been prevented from escaping as the fire rapidly engulfed the venue.
Authorities have not confirmed allegations
Despite the claims, investigators have not officially concluded that customers were trapped because emergency exits were deliberately locked over unpaid bills.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed that inspectors found obstructions at some emergency exits after the fire and noted that conditions at the nightclub differed from what had been recorded during an earlier safety inspection.
However, authorities have not stated whether the obstructions were linked to staff actions during the incident.
Owners reportedly returned to rescue patrons
Amid the allegations, a member of the band performing that night reportedly said the nightclub’s two owners had initially escaped the burning building before returning to help rescue customers and staff.
According to the nightclub’s official Facebook page, both owners remain in critical condition in hospital.
Man accused of spreading unverified claims
The issue gained further attention after reports emerged that a man dressed in military-style clothing, who was seen near senior officials at the scene, may have contributed to the spread of unverified information.
Rescue workers later reportedly said the man was not part of any official emergency response team.
Thai media reports suggested he may have been one of the sources behind allegations that customers were prevented from leaving without first paying their bills.
The man has not publicly commented on the accusations.
Investigations into the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the emergency exits are ongoing.