Locked Exit Allegations Intensify Scrutiny After Deadly Bangkok Nightclub Fire

A fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao nightclub near Lat Phrao Intersection killed at least 27 people and left dozens injured, including 22 in critical condition. Witness footage showed thick black smoke filling the building while flames engulfed the venue’s main entrance. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said obstacles were discovered at both emergency exits, including a table used for selling sweets that blocked one escape route. Unconfirmed reports circulating online alleged that another exit was normally locked to prevent customers from leaving without paying and that payments were collected during the evacuation. The nightclub’s owner was also injured and remains in hospital as authorities investigate the claims and the venue’s safety procedures.

3 hours ago, Video News said:

Locked Exit Allegations Intensify Scrutiny After Deadly Bangkok Nightclub Fire

A fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao nightclub near Lat Phrao Intersection killed at least 27 people and left dozens injured, including 22 in critical condition. Witness footage showed thick black smoke filling the building while flames engulfed the venue’s main entrance. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said obstacles were discovered at both emergency exits, including a table used for selling sweets that blocked one escape route. Unconfirmed reports circulating online alleged that another exit was normally locked to prevent customers from leaving without paying and that payments were collected during the evacuation. The nightclub’s owner was also injured and remains in hospital as authorities investigate the claims and the venue’s safety procedures.

"another exit was normally locked to prevent customers from leaving without paying and that payments were collected during the evacuation."

Lost for words - the mind boggles.

3 minutes ago, scorecard said:

"another exit was normally locked to prevent customers from leaving without paying and that payments were collected during the evacuation."

Lost for words - the mind boggles.

I hope this is not true.

1 minute ago, Effective altruism said:

I hope this is not true.

In many previous cases of fires in pubs / discos etc., same thing, doors locked / barred to prevent patrons leaving the premises without paying their bills.

Same in many hotels, exit doors locked / barred.

Just now, scorecard said:

In many previous cases of fires in pubs / discos etc., same thing, doors locked / barred to prevent patrons leaving the premises without paying their bills.

Same in many hotels, exit doors locked / barred.

Several yearsago my son mentioned one of his buddies was in jail, caught trying to force open the exit door at the hotel where he was saying.

Son also mentioned same buddy and his wife had done same thing several times before and wasn't caught.

2 hours ago, Effective altruism said:

I hope this is not true.

I share your concern. Maybe it is the skeptic in me but I have to wonder if they are saying this and making a big deal out of it to shield the medial and people away from the people that are truly responsible for the deaths. The government officials that looked the other way and did not do a real safety check just took the money and signed off.

One of the things that I know we will never know is who exactly owns the bulding I know they say the owner was there but I have to wonder if he is just the face.

As to them trying to get money I highly doubt it it looked like people were rushing to get out and there is no way staff are going to get in the way.