At Least 27 Dead in Bangkok Bar Fire; Investigation Underway

A fire that erupted at a bar in the suburbs of Bangkok on Sunday night has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with authorities confirming at least 27 fatalities and 63 individuals hospitalized. The blaze, which occurred in the Thai capital, spread with alarming speed, leaving survivors to recount scenes of panic and devastation.

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The fire spread very quickly, reaching the ceiling. Smoke was likely the main cause of death.

Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that smoke inhalation was likely the primary cause of death for many victims. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining the possibility that an emergency exit may have been blocked, contributing to the high casualty count. Several victims were reportedly found near this exit, suggesting a desperate, failed attempt to escape the rapidly spreading flames.

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I heard loud screams from many people inside, it was chaos.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the fire took hold. One tourist, Kan Kutirat, recounted hearing loud screams from inside the bar as patrons, some with their clothing on fire, fled into the street. He witnessed the initial stages of the fire near the stage area, which was followed by a power outage and an explosion.

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I feel depressed. I saw many dead and I don't know what happened to the people I helped.

Another survivor, Surin Jaiharn, a 45-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, described feeling "depressed" after helping rescue five people, using fabric to extinguish flames on their bodies. He noted that many victims appeared to have run towards the back of the bar, possibly towards restrooms, which became death traps due to the smoke and fire. The fire was eventually brought under control by emergency services, who arrived minutes after the initial report, but the devastation was already extensive.

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Most of the victims ran to the back, towards dead-end toilets. This may have been due to panic because there was fire and smoke.