Bangkok Bar Blaze Death Toll Reaches 32

TEMPO.CO Jakarta - The death toll from a devastating fire at a popular bar in Bangkok has risen to 32, authorities said on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, as the Thai government pledged a nationwide overhaul of safety regulations for entertainment venues.

According to the Erawan Emergency Medical Centre, which is operated by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, at least 32 people have died and 73 others have been injured, with more than a dozen victims remaining in critical condition in hospitals.

The blaze erupted on Sunday night, July 12, at Rong Beer Na Lad Phrao, a well-known restaurant and bar in the Thai capital, rapidly engulfing the crowded venue.

Investigators are now trying to determine the cause of the fire and why it proved so deadly. Many victims were reportedly found near the restrooms, raising concerns about evacuation routes and emergency exits.

During a visit to the scene, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was informed by officials that the venue had two functioning exit doors, according to footage released by his office and cited by the Bangkok Post.

However, one of the exits had been designated for staff use only, with no clear indication that it could serve as an emergency exit.

"So this means people weren't aware that this was the emergency fire exit," Anutin was heard saying in the video.

A rescue officer replied, "Maybe it was intended to prevent customers from leaving without paying."

Anutin also revealed that another potential evacuation route was allegedly found locked during the incident.

"How could this happen?" he said.

In response to the tragedy, the Thai government has ordered urgent inspections of entertainment venues across the country.

The prime minister said authorities would also review regulations governing the classification and licensing of entertainment establishments after it emerged that Rong Beer Na Lad Phrao did not possess a permit to host live music performances, despite reportedly doing so on a regular basis.

"Businesses that do not comply with regulations are not sustainable and the owner of this venue will face the utmost prosecution," Anutin said.

The bar owner was immediately admitted to an intensive care unit following the incident, although authorities have not provided an update on their current condition.

The tragedy has once again highlighted longstanding concerns over health and safety standards in Thailand's nightlife industry.

In 2009, a fire at Bangkok's Santika nightclub during New Year's celebrations killed 67 people and injured more than 200 others, becoming one of the country's deadliest nightclub disasters.

Building safety experts have also raised concerns about Rong Beer Na Lad Phrao, saying the venue lacked adequate safety systems and infrastructure to accommodate large crowds and the live music events it regularly hosted.

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