‘Everybody was running, squeezing into each other’: Witnesses describe how deadly inferno swept through Bangkok bar
Chaos Erupts as Fire Devours Bangkok Nightclub During Live Performance
Everybody was running squeezing into each – A devastating inferno ripped through a popular Bangkok entertainment venue on Sunday evening, claiming the lives of numerous patrons and performers. The tragedy unfolded while Thai indie group Thotsakan was in the middle of a live set at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, a well-known establishment situated in the bustling Chatuchak neighborhood. What began as a routine concert quickly transformed into a nightmare as flames rapidly consumed the interior of the dimly lit bar.
Survivors Recall the Terrifying Moments
Ice Athipat Wijarn, the band’s manager, was seated just off the stage when he noticed smoke billowing from behind the keyboard player. Within moments, Kwang, the keyboardist, began shouting warnings for everyone to evacuate. The situation escalated dramatically as a fierce blaze engulfed the entire venue. Ice described the chaotic scene to Thai talk show Hone-Krasae, recalling how panicked crowds pushed and squeezed past one another while trying to reach safety.
“Everybody was running, squeezing into each other,” he explained while describing his desperate attempt to escape through the smoke-filled room. He managed to crawl toward the exit before an explosion suddenly propelled him outside the building.
Lead singer Tik Chaichana survived the disaster purely by chance. According to Thai media reports, he had stepped away to use the washroom just moments before the fire ignited. Online videos captured the emotional musician as he emerged from the burning establishment, visibly shaken. In a subsequent Facebook message, he expressed his gratitude while noting that his phone and personal items had been destroyed. “My mind is truly not okay right now,” he wrote, adding that he was safe and thankful for the outpouring of support.
Death Toll and Casualties Mount
Thai authorities confirmed on Monday that at least twenty-seven individuals perished in the blaze, with twenty-two suffering critical injuries. More than sixty people received medical treatment, including eight patients in serious condition. Among the deceased were Kwang, female vocalist Breeze, and drummer Bew, who all succumbed to their wounds. Another band member, Patchara Songphatkaew, shared the news via Facebook, expressing hope that male singer Din might still be alive. “Maybe a miracle will happen,” she wrote. “Let’s pray things turn out well.”
So far, only one international victim has been identified—a citizen of Laos. Firefighters managed to contain the flames within approximately thirty minutes of their arrival. The casualties included nine men and eighteen women, according to official reports.
Witnesses Describe Dark, Confusing Interior
Local residents who witnessed the emergency expressed shock at the severity of the incident. Titi Liewcha, who resides directly across from the venue, described seeing emergency vehicles and firefighters working tirelessly throughout the area. “I saw [firefighters] trying to extinguish the flames almost everywhere,” she recounted. “I saw ambulances and rescue vehicles everywhere. I didn’t know what to do. I just sat there stunned for a while.”
Sirinya, another nearby resident, shared her concerns about the potential for similar tragedies. “This is the first time I’ve seen such a major fire,” she noted. She worried that the high concentration of pubs in the area could lead to future incidents. Having visited the affected bar previously, she remembered it as being “very dark, with a low ceiling.” She also pointed out that “The fire escape routes are not clear.”
Phatsara Khamloet, who attended the venue in May, described the interior as “maze-like” and extremely dim. “It looked like it wasn’t even open because of the glass. It was so dark you couldn’t see anything inside,” she explained. She recalled navigating a “winding route” to find the restroom and noted that exit signs were inadequate. “The moment I stepped in, my first feeling was, ‘Whoa, if there’s a fire, how would we even get out?'”
Investigation and Calls for Reform
Bangkok governor Chatchart Sittipunt indicated that highly flammable materials decorating the ceiling likely contributed to the fire’s rapid expansion. He also mentioned reports of individuals found unconscious near the emergency exit, hinting at possible obstructions. While acknowledging that a comprehensive investigation is necessary, he emphasized the need for improved fire safety protocols.
Industry professionals are urging venue operators to implement regular evacuation drills and redesign doors to be wider for easier access. A nearby driver commented, “Or when it comes to designing a place like this, the doors should be designed with more width in mind. Make them wider, make it easier for customers to escape.” He added, “I feel sorry for the people who died. I feel sorry for them because they probably had no idea what was happening.”
