BANGKOK, Thailand (Diya TV) — A devastating fire ripped through a popular beer hall in Bangkok late Sunday night, killing at least 27 people and sending dozens more to hospitals. The fast-moving blaze trapped many patrons inside the crowded venue before firefighters brought the flames under control.
Officials said the fire started shortly before midnight at the Na Ladprao beer hall in the northern part of Thailand’s capital. Emergency crews rushed to the scene within minutes. However, thick smoke and intense heat made rescue efforts difficult. Firefighters battled the flames for about 30 minutes before they gained control.
Videos shared by first responders showed flames shooting from the building as heavy black smoke poured through the front entrance. Many people ran from the building in a panic. Others struggled to find a safe way out as visibility quickly disappeared.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene on Monday and confirmed that 27 people lost their lives in the fire. He also spoke with a musician who had been performing inside the beer hall. According to the musician, smoke first appeared near a circuit breaker close to the stage. Moments later, the electricity failed. Soon after, an explosion echoed through the building. Thick smoke then spread rapidly, making escape extremely difficult.
Anutin said many victims were found near the restrooms at the back of the beer hall. Investigators believe several people may have become trapped while trying to escape the smoke-filled building.
Meanwhile, Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said 63 people were taken to nearby hospitals. Of those, 22 remained in critical condition on Monday. Authorities also continued efforts to identify victims because many people inside did not carry identification. In addition, some survivors arrived at hospitals unconscious.
By Monday morning, officials had sealed off the beer hall as forensic teams searched for evidence. Investigators carefully examined the damaged structure to determine what caused the deadly fire. Chadchart said experts would inspect the ceiling materials and check whether blocked emergency exits slowed the evacuation. Officials have not yet announced the exact cause of the blaze.
The destruction inside the building showed the power of the fire. Street-facing windows had shattered during the incident. Burned furniture covered the floor. Charred television sets, speakers, and an electric guitar lay among the debris. Some tables still held empty beer bottles, offering a stark reminder of the busy night before the tragedy.
Outside the beer hall, families gathered in hopes of finding missing loved ones. Authorities established a registration center where relatives could provide information and receive updates. At the same time, nurses handed out face masks to people near the scene because smoke and lingering fumes remained in the area.
Several Buddhist monks also visited the site on Monday morning. They offered prayers for those who died and comforted grieving families. Their presence reflected the deep sadness felt across the community following one of Bangkok’s deadliest fires in recent years.
Singer Sukanya Wongwongwai said she was performing nearby when she learned about the fire. She rushed to the beer hall because several members of her band were performing there. She later confirmed that one bandmate died. Three others remained in the hospital, while another person had not yet been found.
She described the terrifying moments reported by survivors inside the venue. According to those who escaped, the lights suddenly went out as smoke filled every part of the building. As a result, many people could not see exits or locate friends and family members in the darkness.
The tragedy has also renewed concerns about fire safety at entertainment venues across Thailand. In 2022, a fire at a music bar in eastern Thailand killed 14 people. Earlier, in 2009, a New Year’s Eve fire at Bangkok’s Santika nightclub claimed 67 lives and injured more than 200 others. Investigators said that the blaze began after indoor fireworks ignited the building.
Authorities now continue their investigation into the Na Ladprao beer hall fire. They hope the findings will explain how the disaster unfolded and help prevent similar tragedies in the future. Meanwhile, rescue workers, investigators, and local officials remain focused on supporting victims, assisting grieving families, and determining exactly what led to one of the deadliest fires in Bangkok in recent years.
