Surin Jaiharn, a 45-year-old motorbike taxi driver, was waiting for passengers outside the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok on the night of 12/7 when a fire erupted. He saw a large stream of flames burst from inside the pub and quickly ran to help.

Surin helped about five people escape with burns and blisters. He removed his shirt to douse flames on the victims, while another driver assisted a woman out of the dangerous area.

Officials later reported that at least 27 people died and 63 were injured, 22 of whom were in critical condition. Some victims were found near emergency exits, possibly blocked during their escape attempt.

"I am heartbroken. I saw many people die there and don't know how the people I helped are doing now," Surin said.

Laotian tourist Kan Kutirat recounted "hearing many screams from inside, everything was total chaos" as the fire started. A video he posted on Facebook showed people, some with clothes on fire, running into the street as intense flames poured from the pub's entrance.

Kan stated he was drinking alone inside the pub when he noticed smoke rising near the stage area. "I have never experienced anything like this. Those images still haunt me," he said. Kan could only save one person. "I tried my best, I am so sorry," he wrote in his Facebook post.

A band member performing at the pub told local media that smoke suddenly filled the room after the power flickered and went out, followed by a loud explosion and fire. "After the explosion, I initially didn't see anyone trying to escape. Most people were lying on the floor and crying for help," the individual told reporters. "I ran from the stage towards the door, a distance of only about 5 meters. Everything was pitch black, smoky, and there was almost no air to breathe," he added.

Rescue workers moving the body of a victim from the pub fire in Bangkok, Thailand on 13/7. Photo: AFP

Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom, 45, said he was on the first fire truck to arrive at the scene and witnessed the pub engulfed in flames, with many patrons still trapped and some attempting to escape from the rear. "Those who ran out the front door were all burned. The fire was not too intense, but smoke covered the entire pub. Most survivors inhaled smoke," he noted.

According to the pub's Facebook page, the venue was a live music spot with a stage, two bars, a kitchen, a capacity of over 300 people, and four emergency exits. "We have not determined how many people were inside at the time of the fire, but it was likely very crowded," Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt told reporters.

Belongings of victims remaining after the pub fire in Bangkok. Photo: AP

Thai officials have committed to tightening fire safety regulations in recent years, especially at bars and nightclubs, following the Mountain B nightclub fire in Chonburi province, eastern Thailand, which killed 25 people in 2022. Earlier, a major fire at the Santika nightclub in Bangkok on New Year's Eve 2009 claimed the lives of 67 people and injured over 200.

By Huyen Le (AFP, SMH)