Lead
A fire tore through a pub in northern Bangkok early Monday, killing at least 27 people and injuring dozens more, according to Thai officials. Firefighters brought the blaze under control within about half an hour of arrival, as footage shared by first responders showed thick black smoke billowing from the venue's front door and patrons scrambling to escape.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, speaking at the scene, confirmed that 27 bodies had been recovered, with several injured taken to hospitals. "Twenty-seven bodies were moved out, lifeless bodies," he said in televised remarks. "Some were sent to hospitals, we are checking their conditions."
Coverage Comparison
Reports from ABC Australia, BBC – World, Fox News – World, and others consistently placed the death toll at 27 in the immediate aftermath. Deutsche Welle later reported that the toll had risen to 30, citing city officials, with three additional victims succumbing to their injuries. The same outlet noted that more than 70 people remained in hospital, 24 of them in critical condition.
Discrepancies emerged regarding the number of injured: Africa News reported around 70, while Al Jazeera cited 63 in one account. A Bangkok metropolitan administration official, quoted by The Guardian – World, also put the injured figure at 63.
The venue was identified as the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub, located in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok, according to multiple outlets including The Guardian – World, Jerusalem Post, and Al Jazeera. Fox News – World referred to it as the "Na Ladprao pub," a name also used by ABC Australia.
The fire was reported around midnight local time, with firefighters taking roughly half an hour—or 35 minutes, per Jerusalem Post—to bring it under control.
Key Claims
- At least 27 people were killed, according to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a figure confirmed by multiple outlets including ABC Australia, Al Jazeera, BBC – World, and South China Morning Post.
- Around 70 people were injured, as reported by Africa News and The Guardian – World, though some outlets cited 63.
- The fire broke out at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in northern Bangkok around midnight, according to rescuers and local media.
- Firefighters brought the blaze under control within about half an hour, as reported by ABC Australia, BBC – World, and others.
- The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with Prime Minister Anutin stating so at the scene.
- Preliminary investigations suggest an electrical short circuit in an air conditioner may have caused the fire, according to BBC – World, citing Bangkok's disaster mitigation department. No official cause has been given.
- Police are investigating possible negligence, including obstructed emergency exits, as reported by Africa News and Deutsche Welle. Prime Minister Anutin mentioned that many victims were found in restrooms at the back of the pub, and The Guardian – World noted there were no fire escapes.
- A musician performing at the pub told Anutin that he saw smoke coming from a circuit breaker near the stage before the power went out, followed by an explosion, as reported by Al Jazeera and Fox News – World.
- The fire is one of the deadliest in Thailand since 2009, when a New Year's Day fire at the Santika nightclub killed 67 people, according to Deutsche Welle and other outlets.
- Among the dead were two members of the cover band Tosakan, keyboardist Kwang and singer Breeze, as reported by Africa News.