The death toll from a devastating fire at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar in Bangkok has risen to 30, with more than 70 people hospitalized, including 24 in critical condition. The blaze, which broke out late Sunday in a northern part of the Thai capital, is the city’s deadliest in 17 years. Firefighters took half an hour to bring it under control.
Investigators are examining whether blocked and unlit emergency exits trapped patrons inside the building. Most of the victims were found near the toilets, where they may have sought escape. The bar, which claimed to accommodate up to 600 customers, had no license to operate as an entertainment venue and only held permits for a restaurant and live music performances.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has ordered a citywide survey of similar establishments to assess risks and enforce safety standards. The building has been closed for 30 days pending further investigation. Authorities suspect an electrical short circuit in an air-conditioning unit may have sparked the fire, though the cause remains under investigation.
Mourners have gathered at the site, leaving flowers and handwritten messages in Thai and other languages. Debris, including melted musical instruments and blackened chairs, remains scattered along the sidewalk. The fire has prompted calls for stricter safety regulations in entertainment venues across Bangkok.