A fiery inferno erupted at a popular bar on Lat Phrao in Bangkok on Sunday night, killing at least thirty people and leaving more than seventy injured. Police are now probing whether negligence caused the blaze, as survivors reported doors locked from the inside and no visible exit signs.
The fire began near the stage after a short‑circuit in a wall‑mounted air‑conditioner cut power to the bar. The stage was decorated with highly flammable plastic flowers and the ceiling covered in combustible foam, allowing the flames to spread within seconds.
Twenty‑seven of the victims have already been identified and twenty‑four are in critical condition. Fire‑safety experts note that many patrons attempted to flee to the back where the restrooms were located, but the exit door was locked and subsequent furniture obstructions blocked other exits.
The venue is registered as a restaurant with live music rather than an entertainment venue, meaning it was not required to use fire‑retardant materials. Bangkok’s Metropolitan Administration says it will review the regulations that govern materials used in construction and decor of similar venues.
The bar’s owner previously ran a pub in Yasothon province that burned in 2019 without casualties, as the blaze occurred during daylight. The tragedy that unfolded in the darkness is still being investigated for potential regulatory breaches and safety oversights.
