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Bangkok Pub Fire Kills 30, Injures Dozens
A fire tore through Rong Beer Na Ladphrao, a pub in Bangkok's Chatuchak district, just before midnight on Sunday 13 July 2026, killing at least 30 people and sending dozens more to hospital. The death toll rose from an initial 27 to 30 by Tuesday morning as three people who had been classified as seriously injured succumbed to their injuries. Investigators are looking at a ceiling air conditioner as a likely ignition point, and blocked emergency exits are suspected of trapping many of those who died.
What Happened
The fire broke out at approximately 23:57 on Sunday night at Rong Beer Na Ladphrao, a venue licensed for food and musical entertainment. The building dates to 1970. Many of the bodies were found near the toilet door area, which investigators say points to blocked or unlit emergency exits as a major factor in the death toll. Police are also looking at whether flammable materials used for stage decorations and soundproofing contributed to how quickly the fire spread.
Casualties
As of Tuesday 14 July 2026, the numbers stand as follows:
<table> <thead> <tr> <th>Status</th> <th>Count</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>Deaths</td> <td>30</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Seriously injured, still hospitalised</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Moderately injured, still hospitalised</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Minor injuries, discharged</td> <td>36</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
The pub owner is among those in intensive care. Police have interviewed 34 people so far.
The Investigation
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has set up a committee to look at what went wrong and what safety rules need to change, saying the city will carry out more random inspections of venues going forward. The building has been closed to the public for at least 30 days while the investigation continues.
The venue's last recorded safety inspection was in April 2026. The pub's Facebook page issued an apology, expressing condolences to the families of those killed and support for those injured.
A Recurring Problem
This is not the first time a fire at a Thai entertainment venue has led to mass casualties. A New Year's Eve fire at a packed Bangkok club in 2009 killed 65 people and injured around 200, with subsequent investigations uncovering corruption and safety violations. In 2022, a nightclub fire in Chon Buri province killed at least 13 people. Fire safety inspections are legally required for entertainment venues across Thailand, but enforcement has historically been inconsistent.
What This Means for Tourists
Khaosan Road, Bangkok's main backpacker hub roughly 10 kilometres from the fire site, is continuing to operate normally. Tourists interviewed in the area said they were not changing their plans. No safety advisories have been issued as of Tuesday morning.
That said, the pattern of fire safety non-compliance at entertainment venues in Thailand is a documented risk factor. When visiting any nightlife venue, it is worth taking a moment to note where the exits are and whether they appear unobstructed.
Information sourced from Bangkok Post.