Bangkok pub fire kills 27 people and 22 critically injured, officials say

BANGKOK – An explosive fire at a popular pub in Thailand's capital killed 27 people and left dozens more injured late Sunday, marking one of the deadliest fire incidents in Bangkok in recent years.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene on Monday, said authorities had recovered 27 bodies while other victims were taken to hospitals for treatment.

According to survivor accounts, the fire broke out inside the pub in Bangkok's Chatuchak district at around 11:57 p.m. on Sunday. Thick smoke quickly filled the venue, forcing many patrons to flee toward the back near the restrooms, where they reportedly found no accessible fire escape.

Officials said 63 people were hospitalized following the incident, including 22 who remained in critical condition, according to Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt.

Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said rescue crews arrived after the blaze had already spread through much of the venue. Witnesses said the fire appeared to have started near the front stage area.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom, one of the first responders, said the flames themselves were not initially severe, but dense smoke rapidly engulfed the entire building, trapping many inside.

"The smoke was everywhere," he said, adding that most survivors suffered from smoke inhalation.

Body-camera footage from emergency responders showed firefighters wearing oxygen masks searching through the charred interior with flashlights. Several victims were found near the pub's restrooms as rescue workers carried stretchers into the building.

The footage also revealed extensive damage inside the venue, with burned tables, stools, and other furnishings still visible.

Governor Chadchart said the establishment had obtained the necessary operating permits and was equipped with fire exits. However, investigators believe the rapid spread of smoke may have prevented many patrons from reaching safety.

Emergency personnel remained at the scene into Monday morning as forensic teams gathered evidence and worked to identify the victims. Bodies were lined up for transport while firefighters secured the heavily damaged building.

A member of the band performing at the pub told local media that the lights briefly went out before smoke suddenly filled the room, followed by a powerful explosion and fire.

He said many people were unable to escape, recalling that after the explosion, numerous patrons were already on the floor calling for help.

The investigation into the cause of the deadly blaze is ongoing. -Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Chalinee Thirasupa, Chayut Setboonsarng and Kitiphong Thaichareon in Bangkok and Bipasha Dey in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Lucy Craymer; Writing by Devjyot Ghoshal; Editing by Nia Williams, Andrea Ricci and Lincoln Feast./Reuters