Bangkok's pub fire death toll has climbed to 35. Twenty-one people remain in hospital, including 12 in critical condition, while 48 injured patrons have been discharged. Investigators say blocked emergency exits hampered escape and police are probing possible negligence. The government has ordered tighter safety checks; over 800 venues were inspected and 56 suspended in recent days.
Bangkok Pub Blaze Kills 35; Blocked Exits Spark Negligence Probe
Emergency services members move a coffin with the body of a victim at the Police Hospital morgue, following a deadly fire at a pub in Bangkok, Thailand, July 13, 2026. REUTERS/Arnun Chonmahatrakool
Bangkok, July 22 — The death toll from a devastating fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in Bangkok has risen to 35, city emergency services said on Wednesday.
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The Erawan Emergency Medical Centre reported that 21 people remain hospitalized, including 12 in critical condition. Another 48 people who were injured in the blaze have been discharged.
Flowers and offerings are placed outside Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar, the site of a deadly fire, to pay tribute to victims who lost their lives in the bar fire, the day after the incident, in Bangkok, Thailand, July 14, 2026. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa
The fire broke out shortly before midnight on July 13. Witnesses and emergency responders said the blaze spread quickly and filled the popular venue with thick smoke within minutes, severely hampering evacuation efforts.
Investigators found that some emergency exits were obstructed, a discovery that has prompted a police probe into possible negligence. Authorities have said no charges have yet been filed, in part because the venue's owner remains hospitalized.
Government response: Officials pledged tighter safety regulations and more frequent, random inspections of entertainment venues. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said more than 800 venues were inspected in the past three days, with 56 ordered to suspend operations due to safety violations.
Police authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the progress of the investigation. Reporting on the incident and the official tallies was provided by Reuters.
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