Bangkok police believe an overloaded electrical system may have caused the fatal fire at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, while investigators are also examining reports that an emergency exit was bolted shut.
Autopsies found that those who died inhaled carbon monoxide and cyanide released in the blaze. Police said the gases stopped body tissues receiving oxygen and, at high concentrations, could be fatal within minutes; the autopsy findings indicated victims died from cyanide and CO poisoning within four minutes.
Electrical upgrade and possible short circuit
Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom met investigators at Phahon Yothin Police Station on Thursday, July 16, to review evidence, witness accounts and the case file.
More than 106 people have been questioned, including management and staff, relatives of the dead and injured, forensic officers, engineers and electricity officials. Police are also seeking statements from electricians who previously carried out alterations at the premises.
Information from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority has become central to the inquiry. The venue had initially applied for a 30/100 electricity supply, but later used more power and sought an upgrade.
Police said the business repeatedly told electricity officials it was not ready when they tried to inspect. Investigators suspect electrical work may then have been completed without official inspection, potentially overloading the system before a short circuit started the fire.
Bolted exit under investigation
Employees and some of the first customers to escape told police that an emergency exit near the toilets had been secured with a bolt before the blaze. People attempting to flee reportedly had to remove the bolt before getting out.
Investigators will determine how this affected the evacuation, whether all four entrances and exits met safety standards, and whether the venue had held emergency evacuation drills. Forensic officers have completed their examination if the site, but official reports on exits, ceiling materials and possible building irregularities are still pending.
The case is a stark reminder to note accessible exits when entering bars, clubs and other crowded entertainment venues. Police say emergency exits should normally remain readily accessible.
Several police officers who entered the building to rescue customers suffered respiratory irritation and severe smoke inhalation. They were treated at Police General Hospital and have since been discharged. The national police chief has ordered a review of benefits, awards and commendations for those involved.
Ownership and possible charges
Police are also tracing the business's financial arrangements and possible undeclared partners. Company documents list the injured owner and the owner's mother; the owner remains on a ventilator but is gradually improving, while the mother has not been questioned because she was not believed to handle daily operations of the venue.
The owner's elder sister, described as part of the management team, has given a statement. Anyone found to have shared profits or managed the venue could face legal action, police said.
No charges have yet been filed. Police expect to charge the owner when the owner can communicate, with possible allegations including negligence causing death and serious injury, negligence resulting in a fire, unauthorised alterations and operating outside the venue's licence.
Picture courtesy of The Nation
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17 July 2026
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