At least 27 people were killed and 63 others injured after a massive fire swept through a pub in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, shortly after midnight on Monday. Officials said 22 of the injured remain in critical condition.
The blaze broke out at an entertainment venue in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, sending thick smoke into the air and triggering panic as patrons rushed to escape. Firefighters from multiple stations responded to the emergency and brought the flames under control within about 30 minutes.
According to local authorities, several victims were trapped inside the building. Reports suggest that many of those who lost their lives had taken shelter in the venue’s restrooms while trying to escape the fire.
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, visited the site and confirmed the death toll, stating that authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.
Images from the scene showed the pub extensively damaged, with its interior reduced to charred debris as rescue teams searched the premises.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns over fire safety standards at entertainment venues in Thailand. The country has witnessed several deadly nightclub fires in the past, including a 2022 pub fire that claimed 14 lives and the 2009 Santika nightclub fire in Bangkok, which killed 66 people.
Authorities are now investigating how the fire spread so rapidly and whether the venue complied with required fire safety regulations.
