BANGKOK, Thailand — The death toll from the devastating fire at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao entertainment venue in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district has risen to 37, following the death of a performing band member. Thitiwat “Din” Kaewkanha, a 27-year-old singer with the Tossakan band, succumbed to severe injuries at Rajavithi Hospital and after other injured victims succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday, adding to the tragic toll of the Sunday night blaze.

Death Toll In Bangkok Chatuchak Pub Blaze Rises To 30

The Chatuchak district office confirmed that all fatalities have now been formally identified, a group that includes six individuals who had previously been reported as critically injured. The Tossakan band was actively performing when the fire erupted, resulting in the immediate deaths of a female singer and a keyboard player at the scene. The band’s drummer and Mr. Kaewkanha later died from their injuries, while two other band members, including the group’s leader, survived but sustained injuries.

Preliminary investigations by authorities indicate that the inferno was likely sparked by an electrical short circuit in a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit. The blaze rapidly escalated when highly combustible materials, which had been installed on the stage to improve acoustics, instantly ignited. This generated extreme heat, dense smoke, and lethal toxins that quickly overwhelmed the trapped patrons.

Bangkok Police Chief Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom revealed that autopsies confirmed the victims died primarily from the inhalation of toxic gases. Forensic examinations detected significant traces of carbon monoxide and cyanide in the victims’ systems, compounds that block tissues from receiving oxygen and can prove fatal within a matter of minutes.

🚨 UPDATE: Entire Totsakan Band Killed in Bangkok Pub Fire

Thailand's Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao fire in Chatuchak, Bangkok Killed 33, including all 6 core members of band Totsakan

Thai police investigating criminal negligence, blocked exits, & safety violation#ตรวจหวย アートマン https://t.co/kpsfkBbwRh pic.twitter.com/i1FI7LNfaC

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Further scrutiny has uncovered potential regulatory violations regarding the venue’s infrastructure. Information from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority suggests that the beer hall operator may have modified the electrical system without obtaining the necessary permissions, a factor that could have led to system overloading and the subsequent short circuit. Records indicate that the operator had previously requested an increase in power supply from a 30 to 100-amp capacity but declined a mandatory pre-approval inspection by MEA technicians. Compounding these concerns, a musician who had previously performed at the pub noted that frequent brownouts were a recurring issue at the venue prior to the disaster.

Reports from survivors alleging that a fire exit was locked during the evacuation are currently being verified by forensic police. Building safety experts have also noted that the single-story hall, which had a capacity of 700 people, lacked the mandatory safety systems required for hosting large crowds and live music events. The venue’s owner, who was admitted to intensive care immediately following the fire and remains on a respirator, is expected to face severe criminal charges, including recklessness causing death and injury, arson, and unauthorized building modification, once his condition permits questioning.

Deadly Fire At Bangkok Pub Kills At Least 27, Injures Dozens

In the wake of this catastrophic event, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has pledged a comprehensive review of Thailand’s entertainment venue laws and zoning regulations. To prevent future tragedies, the government has mandated nationwide safety inspections of all entertainment venues and public buildings, ordering that these assessments be completed within 30 days as part of a broader, urgent effort to strengthen public safety standards across the country.

-Thailand News (TN)