BANGKOK: At least 27 people were killed and 63 others injured after a massive fire tore through a bar and restaurant in Bangkok late Sunday night, sending terrified patrons fleeing into the street as flames spread rapidly through the venue.
The blaze broke out at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar and restaurant on the outskirts of the Thai capital. Emergency workers rushed to the scene early Monday as body bags were seen outside the venue.
A massive fire broke out at a restaurant in Thailand
I’ve never seen flames spread like this before pic.twitter.com/4nBsUxtsBs
— Surajit (@surajit_ghosh2) July 13, 2026
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said smoke was likely the main cause of death, adding that the fire had spread quickly to the ceiling.
He said 63 people were taken to hospital, including 22 in critical condition. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and possible safety failures.
Several victims were found near a fire exit, and officials believe the exit may have been blocked or obstructed. Most of the bodies were later found in a rear restroom, according to Bangkok’s disaster prevention department.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and chaos. A motorbike taxi driver said he helped several people escape with burned and blistered skin, using clothing to put out flames on their bodies.
A Laotian tourist at the bar said he heard loud screaming and saw people running outside, some with their shirts on fire. He said he helped carry one woman out of the building.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene and said musicians had reported smoke from a circuit breaker near the stage before the power went out and an explosion followed.
Thailand has faced repeated concerns over safety standards in bars and nightclubs. A 2009 Bangkok club fire killed 67 people, while another nightclub blaze in 2022 killed 25.
