Bangkok bar fire kills 33, raises questions about Thailand’s nightlife safety rules
10 reported2 unconfirmed
A fire at a Bangkok music bar earlier this week killed more than 30 people and injured over 70, prompting debate over Thailand's safety regulations and licensing loopholes for nightlife venues. The blaze broke out Sunday night at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar in northern Bangkok, killing at least 33 people and injuring dozens, with 27 still hospitalized as of Thursday, according to Erawan emergency services. Officials said most victims died from smoke inhalation, with a few from burn injuries. The bar had claimed on social media it could accommodate around 600 people, but the number present at the time of the fire remains unclear. The cause of the fire and why it caused so many casualties is under investigation. Amorn Pimanmas, president of the Thailand Structural Engineers Association, cited possible causes including overcrowding, combustible materials, and obstructed exits. The bar was located outside Bangkok's designated entertainment zones and was registered as a restaurant with live music, which carries less stringent safety regulations than licensed entertainment venues.
What’s reported
Fire broke out Sunday night at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar in northern Bangkok.
At least 33 people killed and over 70 injured; 27 still hospitalized as of Thursday.
Most victims died from smoke inhalation; a few from burn injuries.
The bar claimed on social media to accommodate around 600 people; actual number at time of fire is unclear.
Cause of fire and reason for high casualties are under investigation.
Amorn Pimanmas cited possible causes: overcrowding, combustible materials, obstructed exits.
The bar was registered as a restaurant with live music, not as a licensed entertainment venue.
The Entertainment Place Act, enacted in 1966 and updated in 2012, applies only to licensed venues in designated zones.
Opposition lawmaker Paramait Vithayaruksun called the law "outdated and unrealistic."
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul acknowledged shortcomings and said the law should be reviewed.
Open questions
What caused the fire and why it caused so many casualties.
How many people were in the bar at the time of the fire.
Key figures
Amorn Pimanmas, president of the Thailand Structural Engineers Association
Paramait Vithayaruksun, opposition lawmaker of the People's Party
Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand
Wasawat Kitsiriteeraphak, former president of the Building Inspectors Association
Sources: abcnews.com
