A devastating fire tore through the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao entertainment venue near Lat Phrao Soi 1 in Bangkok late on 12 July, leaving 27 people dead, according to the latest official figures. Most of the victims are believed to have died from smoke inhalation after becoming trapped inside the building as thick smoke and flames spread rapidly.
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The blaze was reported at 11.55pm on 12 July when Bangkok’s Rama Radio Centre received an emergency call via the 199 hotline reporting a fire at a restaurant near Lat Phrao Soi 1 in Chatuchak district. Firefighters from Sutthisan Fire and Rescue Station were the first to respond, with additional crews from Phahon Yothin, Phaya Thai and Huai Khwang stations joining the operation as the fire intensified. SoutheastAsians & Pacific Islanders GeographicReference
The venue, which operated as a restaurant and pub, was already engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived. One person with burn injuries received treatment at the scene while emergency crews battled the blaze using three hose lines. Numerous people were reported trapped inside as firefighters worked to rescue those unable to escape.
Firefighters took around 35 minutes to bring the blaze under control. Initial reports confirmed nine fatalities, with most victims found inside the toilet area at the rear of the building, while many more injured people were taken to nearby hospitals. The official death toll was later revised to 27.
After visiting the scene on 13 July, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said preliminary accounts from musicians performing at the venue suggested they first saw smoke coming from an electrical cut-out near the stage. Moments later, the electricity failed, an explosion was heard, and dense smoke quickly filled the venue before flames spread throughout the building.
Anutin said many victims ran towards the rear of the premises and into the toilet area in an attempt to escape. He said there was no clearly identifiable emergency exit in that section of the building, or people may have fled there in panic to avoid the smoke after the main dining area filled with flames, smoke and explosions.
Pictures courtesy of Matichon
Matichon reported that authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, with the reported electrical fault forming part of the preliminary inquiry. Investigators are also expected to examine the venue’s fire safety measures, including the reported lack of a clearly marked emergency exit where many of the victims were found.
Caution video shows victims receiving CPR at scene
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