Many fatalities in Bangkok bar fire

At least 27 people – 9 men and 18 women – lost their lives in a bar fire on Monday morning (local time) in Bangkok. Most of the victims are believed to have died from smoke inhalation. Over 60 people were injured, a third of them seriously, according to Thai media reports citing local authorities.

Initially, there was no information regarding the suspected cause. The search for further victims is still ongoing. The tragedy occurred in the north of the Thai capital, in the Ladprao district.

Not the first fire disaster in Bangkok

According to reports, the fire broke out in a pub called Rong Beer Na Ladprao. This is located near the popular Chatuchak Market, which is also internationally renowned. Tens of thousands of people visit the market at weekends, including many foreigners.

By midnight, the market has long since closed. Bangkok, with a population of over 8.5 million, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South-East Asia. It was initially unclear whether any tourists were among the victims.

This was not the first fire disaster of this kind in Bangkok. In 2009, for example, 67 people lost their lives in a fire during a New Year’s Eve celebration at the ‘Santika’ club in the Ekkamai district. Numerous other visitors were injured. Sparks from fireworks during a stage show had triggered the blaze at the time.