A devastating fire erupted at the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok at 11:57 PM on 12/7, claiming 27 lives and injuring 63, with 22 in critical condition. The Bangkok Emergency Medical Center reported that initial investigations point to an electrical short circuit in a ceiling-mounted air conditioner as the likely cause.

According to rescue forces, the fire spread rapidly, particularly across the ceiling area and through interior decorative materials, which were highly flammable and produced large amounts of toxic smoke. National Police Commander Kittiratt Phanphet stated that police are focusing their investigation on potential negligence.

Eyewitness accounts support this assessment. Several witnesses reported seeing smoke rising from a circuit breaker near the stage just before a power outage. A subsequent explosion was heard, and thick smoke quickly engulfed the entire venue. The fire completely destroyed the 164 square meter interior of the one-story concrete building with a corrugated iron roof, marking one of Bangkok's most severe nightlife fires in years.

Ash-covered tables and chairs after the Na Ladprao pub fire in Bangkok, Thailand on 13/7. *Photo: AFP*

While many plastic tables and chairs remained largely intact, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt suggested that toxic smoke generated from the burning decorative materials was the main reason for the high death toll. The pub owner, who was inside when the fire broke out, sustained injuries and is currently receiving hospital treatment, Governor Chadchart added.

Initial checks revealed that one of the pub's emergency exits led through the kitchen area and was primarily for staff use. Investigators are verifying whether these exits met safety standards and were accessible during the emergency. Authorities have launched an investigation into possible safety regulation violations after initial findings suggested an exit might have been obstructed, trapping many as thick smoke and flames quickly enveloped the building. Numerous victims were found near the left exit, raising suspicions that this path was blocked.

Flames burst from the entrance of Na Ladprao pub. *Video: Facebook/ Kan Kutirat*

Officials had inspected the establishment in April, confirming it had emergency exits, illuminated exit signs, and fire extinguishers as required. "However, the conditions during the inspection do not necessarily reflect the operational setup," Governor Chadchart noted. "Based on our observations, snack tables were placed near one exit, while another exit was cluttered with items. The internal layout of the pub had changed since the inspection, making evacuation more difficult. Some patrons had also consumed alcohol, which could have further hindered their escape."

Governor Chadchart further explained that the venue was licensed as a restaurant with live music, not an entertainment establishment, allowing it to legally operate until midnight. The fire occurred just before this closing time.