The death toll from the devastating fire at the Rong Beer Na Ladphrao entertainment venue in Bangkok has risen to 30, city authorities confirmed on Tuesday morning. Investigators are continuing to examine the cause of the blaze, while forensic teams work to identify all of the victims.
According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, or BMA, the number of fatalities increased from the initial 27 reported after Sunday’s fire. The three additional victims had been receiving treatment for critical injuries but later died in hospital.
A further 24 people remain in hospital with serious injuries, while another 15 are being treated for moderate injuries. City officials said 36 people who suffered minor injuries have now been discharged.
The fire broke out at around 11.57pm on Sunday at the popular entertainment venue in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.
Investigation Focuses on Fire Safety
Authorities are still working to establish the exact cause of the fire. Early findings suggest many people became trapped inside after emergency exits were found to be closed, blocked, or inadequately lit. Investigators said numerous victims were discovered inside the venue and near the entrance to the toilet area.
Officials are also examining whether an electrical short circuit in a ceiling mounted air conditioning unit sparked the blaze. The venue had reportedly passed a safety inspection in April.
Police are also investigating whether emergency exits were obstructed and whether highly flammable materials used for stage decorations or soundproofing contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Venue Closed During Investigation
The building, which was constructed in 1970, had been licensed to operate as a restaurant and live music venue. Following the tragedy, the Chatuchak District Office ordered the premises closed to the public for an initial 30 days.
During this period, engineers will assess the structural safety of the fire damaged building while investigators continue gathering evidence.
Chatuchak is one of Bangkok’s largest districts and is well known among visitors for its famous weekend market. The district also has a busy nightlife scene with numerous restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
Bangkok Governor Promises Stronger Enforcement
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said a committee has been established to investigate the disaster and recommend improvements to fire safety regulations.
“We’ve set up a committee to investigate the truth, what should be improved and what rules should be changed,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
He added that city authorities would increase unannounced inspections of entertainment venues across Bangkok to improve public safety.
Police said they have interviewed 34 witnesses so far. Any criminal charges will be considered once investigators have completed their review of the evidence. The owner of the venue remains in intensive care after suffering serious injuries in the fire.
Ongoing Questions
The tragedy has raised renewed concerns about fire safety standards in Thailand’s entertainment venues, particularly the availability and accessibility of emergency exits during emergencies.
As investigators continue their work, authorities are expected to determine whether negligence or safety violations contributed to one of Bangkok’s deadliest entertainment venue fires in recent years.
