A devastating fire at the Na Ladprao pub in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday morning, July 13, resulted in the deaths of at least 27 individuals and left 63 injured, with 22 in critical condition. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the casualty figures and announced an investigation into the cause. The blaze occurred around midnight local time, and firefighters brought it under control within approximately 30 minutes.
Witnesses, including a musician performing on stage, reported seeing smoke emanating from a circuit breaker near the stage, followed by a power outage, an explosion, and then the rapid engulfment of the venue by thick smoke. Many victims were found near the restrooms at the back of the pub. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt indicated that smoke inhalation was likely the primary cause of death, noting that the fire spread quickly through ceiling decorations and that toxic smoke from these materials harmed victims. The pub reportedly had proper permits and fire exits, but obstructions near an exit may have hindered escape, according to officials like Suriyachai Rawiwan, Bangkok's disaster prevention and mitigation director.
The incident is being investigated, with officials examining the electrical system as a suspected trigger. Photos from the aftermath show charred interiors and damaged furniture. This tragedy echoes previous fatal fires in Thailand; in 2022, 14 people died in a music pub fire, and a 2009 New Year's Eve fire at the Santika nightclub killed 66 and injured over 200, reportedly sparked by indoor fireworks. Of the 27 fatalities in the recent incident, nine were men and 18 were women.
