The death toll from a fire at a live music pub in Thailand’s capital has risen to 30 as Bangkok authorities launch investigations into possible safety breaches and negligence.
The blaze, one of Thailand’s deadliest in recent years, tore through the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district shortly before midnight on Sunday. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion before flames and thick smoke engulfed the single-storey building.
Officials said three more people died in hospital, raising the death toll to 30. Another 24 people remain in critical condition, while dozens of injured survivors have been discharged.
The pub is located at a busy junction near train stations and two shopping malls. It is one of several popular venues that attract large weekend crowds with live music, food, alcohol and televised football.
Authorities believe an electrical short circuit in a ceiling air conditioner may have triggered the fire, despite the venue passing a safety inspection in April. Police are investigating whether emergency exits were blocked and whether flammable materials used for stage decorations and soundproofing contributed to the disaster.
“We’ve set up a committee to investigate the truth, what should be improved and what rules should be changed,” Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt told a press conference on Tuesday.
“We will do more random checks.”
Police said they have interviewed 34 people and will consider charges after gathering evidence. The pub owner is among those receiving treatment in an intensive care unit.
At a Bangkok morgue, rescue workers transferred the coffin of one of the victims as grieving relatives and friends arrived to collect the bodies of those killed.
Outside the pub, family members mourned while forensic teams examined the scene.
The venue apologised in a statement on its Facebook page and said it was cooperating fully with investigators.
“We apologise deeply over the very sad events that took place and express our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and send our support to those injured.”
The statement drew hundreds of responses, with many questioning the venue’s safety measures. The pub did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
Thailand has recorded several deadly fires at entertainment venues despite mandatory fire safety inspections. A nightclub fire in Chonburi killed at least 13 people in 2022, while a New Year’s Eve nightclub fire in Bangkok in 2009 killed 65 people and injured about 200. Investigators later found corruption and multiple safety violations.
Tourists visiting Bangkok’s Khaosan Road entertainment district said the tragedy had not changed their confidence in the city’s nightlife.
“It doesn’t worry us. All the places that we’ve been have been very safe,” said Connor McLernon, 30, a tourist from Boston.
“It’s just an unfortunate accident that happened and I don’t think that should deviate anybody from visiting,” said Patricia Bello McLernon, 31.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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