At least 27 people were killed and 63 others injured after a fire swept through a pub in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district shortly after midnight on Monday.
The blaze erupted at Na Ladprao, a pub near Soi Lat Phrao 1, at approximately 12:02am while the venue was crowded with customers.
Fire crews managed to bring the flames under control within around 30 minutes, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).
Authorities confirmed that nine men and 18 women were among those killed. Of the 63 people taken for medical treatment, 22 were reported to have suffered serious injuries.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as interior minister, visited the scene alongside Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt and DDPM director-general Teerapat Kachamat.
Mr Anutin said preliminary information suggested that most of the victims died from smoke inhalation.
Musicians performing at the venue reportedly told officials that the fire appeared to begin at an electrical circuit breaker near the stage before the premises lost power and an explosion was heard.
Mr Chadchart said the flames spread quickly after reaching decorative materials attached to the ceiling. He added that toxic fumes released by the burning decorations were believed to have contributed significantly to the high number of casualties.
The governor said the pub was properly licensed to host live music and had been inspected by the relevant authorities in April.
Bangkok disaster prevention and mitigation director Suriyachai Rawiwan said fire exits were located at the rear of the building. However, many people appeared to have fled towards toilets at the back of the premises, where rescuers later faced difficulties reaching them.
Officials are continuing efforts to formally identify those who died as investigators work to establish the exact cause of the fire.
