At least 27 people have been killed in a fire that tore through a bar in Bangkok, Thailand’s prime minister has said.
Emergency services were alerted to the blaze just after midnight, following reports from a passing driver who spotted the venue on fire at approximately 23:30 local time. The driver told the Daily News that he immediately stopped his vehicle and broke windows to help two people escape the burning building. Although firefighters managed to bring the flames under control within about half an hour, the consequences were catastrophic.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene, confirmed that 27 bodies had been recovered, consisting of nine men and 18 women. More than 60 people are currently being treated in hospitals, and the local outlet Thairath reported that several individuals remain missing. Among those affected by the tragedy was a woman seen grieving near the scene on July 13, 2026, whose older sister died in the fire.
Video footage shared on the social media platform X captured the horror of the incident, showing massive flames bursting through the front entrance as panicked patrons fled. Some people were seen screaming, others tripped and fell, and at least two individuals appeared to be on fire as they escaped.
Prime Minister Anutin told reporters that he spoke with a musician who was performing at the venue when the fire began. According to the musician, the fire started at an electrical cut-out switch and escalated almost instantly. Following a sudden blast, patrons desperately tried to escape the rapidly spreading smoke and flames. Many were unable to exit because they retreated to the back of the building, seeking shelter in the toilets, where emergency responders ultimately discovered most of the bodies.
Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt also visited the site, noting that highly flammable interior decorations likely contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. He also revealed initial, heartbreaking reports indicating that tables set up to sell candy and other merchandise had obstructed the venue’s fire exits. However, Governor Chatchart emphasized to the Daily News that a thorough and official investigation by forensic officers is required to confirm these details.
Pictures from inside the bar after the fire show the furniture, walls and ceiling blackened by the flames.
Confronting pictures taken after the fire had been brought under control show many body bags lined up outside the bar, and a large cordon around the area.
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