Thai officials are conducting a probe into potential negligence following a catastrophic fire at a Bangkok bar that resulted in 30 deaths. Witnesses and investigators reported that emergency exits were either locked or poorly marked, severely hindering escape efforts. Police believe the fire, which started near the stage, spread rapidly due to highly combustible decorative materials like plastic flowers and foam insulation.
Police General Kittiratt Phanphet stated that the conditions revealed a clear disregard for patron safety. Preliminary findings suggest a short circuit in an air conditioning unit triggered the blaze, cutting off the building’s power. Busakorn Saensuk, a fire safety specialist, noted that exits were obstructed by furniture, forcing customers toward the rear of the establishment where they became trapped.
Experts highlighted that toxic smoke inhalation, containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, likely caused many deaths before flames reached the victims. The establishment was officially classified as a restaurant rather than an entertainment venue, allowing it to bypass stricter fire-retardant material regulations. Authorities are currently reviewing these safety protocols. Reports indicate the bar owner previously experienced a similar fire at another property in Yasothon province in 2019, though that incident resulted in no casualties.
