Bangkok bar fire kills at least 28 and injures dozens

A large fire broke out in the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district shortly before midnight on 12 July 2026. An electrical short circuit near the stage, possibly in an air‑conditioning unit, caused an explosion and a rapid spread of flames and smoke.

Around 200 patrons were inside the venue when the blaze started. Emergency services extinguished the fire after roughly 30 minutes, but the death toll rose to at least 28, with reports ranging from 27 to 32 deaths. Approximately 73 people were injured, 25 of them in critical condition.

Investigators are examining blocked or locked emergency exits, the presence of highly flammable acoustic foam and décor, and the possible role of gas cylinders. Police and fire officials say several rear doors were difficult to open, and tables or other obstacles may have hindered evacuation.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt visited the site. Police chief Kittharath Punpetch said negligence is a primary line of inquiry. The tragedy is the deadliest in Thailand since the 2009 Santika Club fire that killed 67 people.