Thai authorities said Monday that a fire and explosion at a pub in the capital Bangkok killed 27 people and injured dozens, as police investigate possible negligence related to a blocked emergency exit while patrons tried to flee the burning venue.

A video of the incident, posted on social media and verified by Reuters, showed thick smoke rising from the 'Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub' before dense horizontal flames shot from a door, as customers screamed and fled around midnight Sunday (17:00 GMT).

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene early Monday morning, said: 'Most victims ran to the back of the building, toward the toilets, and there was no clear sign indicating an emergency exit.'

A police forensic officer takes photos of the site of a deadly fire at a pub in Bangkok, Thailand, July 13, 2026 - Reuters

Suriyachai Rawiwon, director of Bangkok's disaster prevention department, said 63 people were injured in the fire, 22 of them in critical condition.

The pub is located at a busy intersection in northern Bangkok, connected to the train network, adjacent to two shopping centers, and within walking distance of cinemas, large parks, and the Chatuchak weekend market that attracts foreign tourists during the day.

The area has several live music pubs, typically packed on weekend nights.

"Short circuit"

The city's disaster department said preliminary assessment suggests the fire may have been caused by a short circuit in a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit.

Police said the investigation includes possible problems with emergency exits, overloaded electrical wiring, and use of flammable materials during renovations to improve soundproofing.

National police chief Kitirat Phanphet told reporters: 'At this stage, police consider negligence as the main hypothesis in the investigation.'

"Smoke everywhere"

Firefighter Chakkrit Khongkhom, 45, said he arrived with the first fire engine to find the pub ablaze and a large number of patrons trapped inside, while some tried to flee from the back of the building. He added that the few who managed to get out through the front had suffered burns.

He said: 'Smoke was everywhere. Most survivors were choking from smoke inhalation.'

Footage from a body camera of an emergency responder, seen by Reuters, showed firefighters wearing oxygen masks moving through the dark remains of the pub with flashlights, searching for survivors and victims.

Several bodies were also seen lying on the ground near the toilets, as rescue workers brought stretchers inside.

Chakkrit said: 'We sent a rescue and search team and found a large number of people inside the toilets. Most were trying to escape to the back after seeing the fire at the front of the pub.'

In the early hours of the morning, victims' bodies, labeled with identification numbers, were lined up in two rows awaiting transport, while forensic teams examined the site. Firefighters stood near the pub entrance, its facade blackened by the fire.

History of fires

Entertainment venues in Thailand have seen several fires in recent years, with fire safety inspections conducted but owners not always complying regularly.

At least 13 people died in a fire at a nightclub in Chonburi province in 2022, while 65 people died in a fire during New Year celebrations at a packed club in Bangkok in 2009, with an investigation concluding that corruption and safety violations were among the main causes of the disaster.

City authorities said the 'Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao' pub was licensed as a restaurant and live music venue, and was inspected last April, when emergency exits, evacuation signs, and fire extinguishers were available.

The governor's office added that ceiling materials, decorations, and interior equipment will be examined, along with checks on whether tables or other items blocked emergency exits.

Emergency exit blocked?

In a video released by the prime minister's office during his site visit, Anutin was told that one door, previously used as an exit, was bolted shut because the pub owner feared customers leaving without paying.

The door had a sign reading 'Staff only' and could be opened outward.

But an official told the prime minister that customers were unaware they could use it. Anutin replied: 'If they had run in that direction, it would have been fine.'

Based on survivor accounts, officials said the fire likely started in the front stage area of the pub and spread quickly, prompting many to flee toward the back, which houses the kitchen and toilets.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt told reporters: 'There are two emergency exits, one near the kitchen, but beer boxes were blocking the way. There was also a table blocking the other exit.' He added that the forensic investigation is ongoing.