A deadly fire broke out at a popular bar in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district on Sunday night, killing at least 28 people and injuring dozens more. Survivors described scenes of panic as flames spread rapidly through the crowded venue, leaving many people trapped inside.
The fire started while Thai indie band Thotsakan was performing at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao. Band manager Ice Athipat Wijarn was sitting near the stage when he noticed smoke rising behind the keyboard player.
Panic Spread Within Seconds Inside the Crowded Bar
The keyboardist, Kwang, quickly warned customers to leave the building. Moments later, flames swept across the bar, creating chaos among hundreds of people trying to escape.
Ice said the room quickly filled with smoke as customers pushed toward the exit. He struggled to open the door while people around him tried to escape.
“Everybody was running and squeezing into each other,” Ice recalled during a Thai television interview.
He said an explosion happened while he was trying to get out, throwing him away from the building. The memories of seeing injured friends and his girlfriend being carried outside continue to haunt him.
Band Members Among Those Killed in Fire
The tragedy also claimed the lives of several members of Thotsakan. The band’s keyboardist Kwang, female singer Breeze, and drummer Bew died after suffering serious injuries.
Another band member, Din, was reported missing after the fire but was later found on Monday evening. His condition has not been confirmed.
Lead singer Tik Chaichana survived because he had briefly gone to the bathroom before the fire started. Videos shared online showed him leaving the burning building in shock.
Tik later posted that he was safe but said he had lost his phone and personal belongings in the fire. He also expressed that he was struggling emotionally after witnessing the tragedy.
Survivors Describe Smoke, Heat, and Failed Rescue Attempts
Witnesses said the fire spread extremely quickly, leaving customers with little time to escape. Videos from the scene showed people screaming as they ran out of the burning entrance, with some victims suffering severe burns.
A 41 year old survivor, Usa Tadsree, said there was a sudden explosion and people had almost no chance to get out. She told reporters that two of her friends died in the blaze.
Others described desperate attempts to rescue people trapped inside the bar. Kaewudon Pongpanee said he heard people screaming and tried to enter the building to save his brother, but heavy smoke, heat, and falling debris blocked his way.
Investigation Begins After Deadly Bangkok Fire
Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao was a well known nightlife spot in Bangkok’s Chatuchak area and attracted many local visitors. Authorities are now investigating what caused the fire and whether safety rules were followed.
Officials confirmed that at least one foreign national, a citizen of Laos, was among those killed. The incident has raised fresh concerns about fire safety measures in crowded entertainment venues across Thailand.
