Bangkok: The death toll from the devastating fire at a popular live music pub in Thailand's capital has risen to 32 after two more injured victims died in hospital, while dozens of others continue to receive treatment for severe burns and smoke inhalation. Health officials have warned that the number of deaths could increase further as many of the injured remain in critical condition.
The fire broke out late on the night of July 12 at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in Bangkok's busy Chatuchak district. The venue was crowded with people enjoying live music when smoke was first noticed near the stage area. Within moments, flames spread rapidly through the building, filling the enclosed space with thick black smoke and leaving many people struggling to find a safe way out.
According to Thai health authorities, around 30 people are still being treated in hospitals across Bangkok. Nearly half of them remain in intensive care units with serious burn injuries and breathing complications caused by smoke inhalation. Doctors say the next few days will be critical for many of the survivors.
Emergency responders who arrived at the scene described a heartbreaking situation. Many victims were found near exits or inside bathrooms where they had apparently taken shelter from the intense heat and smoke. Officials believe that several people died from inhaling toxic smoke rather than from burns. The rapid spread of poisonous smoke left many with little time to escape.
Investigators have begun a detailed examination of the building to determine exactly how the fire started. Early findings suggest that an electrical short circuit involving a ceiling mounted air conditioning unit may have triggered the blaze. However, forensic experts are continuing their investigation to establish the exact cause and whether any negligence contributed to the disaster.
The tragedy has also raised serious concerns about fire safety standards at entertainment venues in Thailand. Investigators are examining reports that emergency exits may have been blocked or difficult to access during the fire. Authorities are also looking into whether highly flammable decorative materials, including foam insulation and plastic soundproofing panels, allowed the flames to spread much faster than expected.
Fire safety experts say these materials can produce large amounts of toxic smoke within minutes, making survival extremely difficult in enclosed spaces. The combination of limited ventilation, heavy smoke and panic among customers created conditions that turned the venue into a deadly trap.
Police are now investigating whether the owners and operators of the pub followed all building and fire safety regulations. If evidence of negligence is found, criminal charges could be filed against those responsible. Officials are reviewing building permits, safety inspections and emergency preparedness records as part of the investigation.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has ordered a citywide review of fire safety measures at entertainment venues. Authorities plan to conduct stricter inspections of pubs, clubs and other public gathering places, with particular attention to emergency exits, fire resistant building materials, occupancy limits and electrical systems.
Families of the victims have gathered at hospitals and forensic centres as they wait to identify and collect the bodies of their loved ones. Many survivors have shared emotional accounts of the panic inside the building, describing how power failures, thick smoke and confusion made it almost impossible to find an escape route. Some relatives have also called for stronger support and fair compensation for those who lost family members or suffered life changing injuries.
The incident has revived painful memories of previous nightclub fires in Thailand, including the Santika Club fire in 2009 and the Mountain B nightclub fire in 2022. Both disasters exposed weaknesses in the enforcement of fire safety regulations, and the latest tragedy has renewed public demands for stricter oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As investigators continue their work, Thailand is mourning one of its deadliest entertainment venue disasters in recent years. Authorities say their priority remains providing medical care to the injured, supporting grieving families and ensuring that lessons from this tragedy lead to stronger safety measures across the country.