The death toll from the devastating fire at a live music pub in Bangkok has risen to 30, prompting city authorities to pledge stricter fire safety enforcement while police investigate possible negligence and safety violations.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said a committee had been established to review the tragedy and determine what improvements were needed to existing regulations.
“We’ve set up a committee to investigate the truth, what should be improved and what rules should be changed.”
“We will do more random checks.”
The blaze tore through Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao in the northern Chatuchak district shortly before midnight on Sunday. Witnesses described hearing an explosion before flames and thick smoke rapidly engulfed the single-storey venue, making it one of Thailand’s deadliest entertainment venue fires in recent years.
Officials said 24 people remain in critical condition, while dozens of others have since been discharged from hospital. Three victims who were initially hospitalised later succumbed to their injuries.
Investigators believe an electrical short circuit involving a ceiling-mounted air conditioner may have sparked the fire, although police are also examining whether emergency exits were blocked and whether flammable materials used in stage decorations or soundproofing contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze. Authorities said 34 people have been interviewed so far, with possible charges to be considered once evidence has been fully reviewed. The pub owner remains in intensive care.
Outside the venue, grieving relatives gathered as forensic teams continued collecting evidence, while mourners laid flowers in memory of those who died. In a statement posted on Facebook, the pub apologised for the tragedy.
“We apologise deeply over the very sad events that took place and express our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and send our support to those injured.”
The message drew hundreds of responses, with many questioning the venue’s safety measures.
Thailand has suffered several fatal entertainment venue fires over the years. A nightclub blaze in Chonburi killed at least 13 people in 2022, while a packed Bangkok nightclub fire on New Year’s Eve in 2009 claimed 65 lives and left about 200 others injured, with investigators uncovering multiple safety violations and corruption linked to the venue.
Reuters
