Bangkok bar fire death toll rises to 30 as safety investigation continues

The death toll from a devastating fire at a music bar in Bangkok has risen to 30, with more than 70 people injured and 24 remaining in critical condition, according to officials. The blaze, which broke out shortly before midnight on Sunday at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar in the northern part of the Thai capital, marked the city’s deadliest fire in 17 years. Firefighters took 30 minutes to bring the flames under control, but the tragedy left a trail of destruction and unanswered questions about safety regulations.

The bar, which describes itself as a brewery or beer hall, was licensed as a restaurant with live music rather than an entertainment venue, a classification that may have exempted it from stricter fire safety requirements for entertainment spaces. Investigators are examining whether the establishment violated safety codes, with police probing potential negligence, blocked exits, and the use of flammable materials. Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt announced plans for a sweeping survey of similar venues to assess risks and strengthen enforcement of existing laws.

Most of the victims were found trapped in windowless bathrooms, where they may have sought refuge from the flames. Police said one rear exit near the restrooms was obstructed by a table used to sell candy, while another exit near the kitchen had a damaged sign and a missing door handle. The bar issued an apology and condolences Monday on Facebook and vowed to cooperate with investigations into the fire.

Experts have highlighted design flaws that may have exacerbated the disaster. Amorn Pimanmas, president of the Thailand Structural Engineers Association, observed that the building’s enclosed structure, low ceilings, and potential use of untreated foam for decoration created conditions for rapid smoke accumulation. “There must be some kind of revolution regarding fire safety procedures,” he said, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of existing regulations.

Survivors and families have recounted harrowing accounts of the night. Namthip Tubsuk, a mother of two and teacher nicknamed “Ice,” died in the fire, according to her aunt Jittiya Phaiklaw, who focused on reports alleging exit doors had been locked. “They shouldn’t have locked the doors,” Jittiya said. “If they were afraid the customers would get away, they could have had the security guard staff minding them away.” Jutatip Surakumhang, a friend of Namthip, said an apology was owed. “I feel there must be someone coming out to apologize to everyone who died. There were deaths deserving an apology. It was heartbreaking,” Jutatip said.

The public clamor for answers and action has included relatives of the dead who went to Bangkok’s Institute of Forensic Medicine to collect their bodies. Gathering at a loading area for vehicles, family members wept as they walked with coffins that were then loaded into an ambulance and taken away. University student Thanakon Phoklang said he was passing by and wanted to pay his respects. “It was regrettable,” he said. “It’s impossible to feel anything else.”

Debris from the bar, including melted musical instruments and blackened chairs, lay scattered along the sidewalk, moved there Monday by officials investigating the cause of the fire. Former patrons of the bar and other mourners visited the site Tuesday, adding to the growing pile of flowers leaning on the guardrails cordoning off the location of the blaze. Handwritten messages in Thai and other languages, including Korean, were left alongside white flowers, expressing condolences to the victims.