‘Everybody was running, squeezing into each other’: Witnesses describe how deadly inferno swept through Bangkok bar

Bangkok Bar Fire: Witnesses Describe Chaos as Flames Spread

The Tragedy at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao

Everybody was running squeezing into each - Everybody was running, squeezing into each other—a harrowing scene that unfolded as a catastrophic fire consumed the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. The incident, which occurred on Sunday during a performance by Thai indie band Thotsakan, left at least 27 people dead and dozens injured. The flames rapidly engulfed the venue, prompting frantic evacuations as smoke filled the air and panic spread among the crowd. Band manager Ice Athipat Wijarn, who noticed smoke seeping from behind keyboardist Kwang moments before the disaster, became a key witness to the chaos.

Escapes in the Flames

"Everyone was scrambling, pressed together in a chaotic rush," Ice recounted during an interview on Thai talk show Hone-Krasae. He described how smoke quickly overtook the room, forcing attendees to crawl toward the exit as the heat intensified. "We were all trying to get out, but the doors were blocked, and the walls were closing in. It felt like a nightmare."

The tragedy claimed the lives of Thotsakan’s female vocalist, Breeze, and drummer, Bew, along with Kwang. Bandmate Patchara Songphatkaew shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, noting that the fate of male singer Din remains uncertain. "I’m safe, thank you everyone for your concern," said lead singer Tik Chaichana, who narrowly escaped due to timing. "But my phone and all my belongings burned... My mind is truly not okay right now."

Design and Safety Concerns

The bar, like several others on the same street, was a popular spot for locals. However, its dimly lit, maze-like interior and poorly marked exits raised red flags. Resident Phatsara Khamloet described the layout as "confusing," adding that the cramped space made escape difficult. "The moment I stepped in, my first thought was, 'Whoa, if there’s a fire, how would we even get out?'" she recalled, emphasizing the design’s role in the disaster.

Firefighters arrived quickly but struggled to contain the flames due to the bar’s construction. Witnesses reported that the ceiling decorations, made of flammable materials, accelerated the fire’s spread. Bangkok governor Chatchart Sittipunt highlighted this as a potential contributing factor, noting that the emergency exits were overwhelmed by unconscious individuals trapped inside. "Everybody was running, squeezing into each other to find the nearest way out," he added, underscoring the need for better safety measures.

Community Impact and Public Reaction

Residents across Chatuchak district were left in shock by the fire’s intensity. Titi Liewcha, who lives nearby, said she watched firefighters battle flames "almost everywhere" and ambulances rush to the scene. "The fire was so close to our homes that I feared it might spread," she shared, describing the widespread panic. Sirinya, another local, echoed the sentiment, noting that the tragedy highlighted the vulnerability of Bangkok’s nightlife sector.

As the smoke cleared, the community rallied to support victims and their families. Local businesses donated supplies, and social media platforms flooded with messages of condolence. Despite the devastation, some survivors expressed gratitude for their narrow escapes. "Everybody was running, squeezing into each other, but we managed to get out," said one eyewitness, emphasizing the collective effort during the crisis.

Ongoing Investigations and Calls for Reform

Authorities are investigating the fire’s cause, with flammable ceiling materials and blocked exits under scrutiny. The incident has intensified demands for stricter fire safety regulations in Bangkok’s entertainment venues. "This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for all businesses," said a local driver who works near the bar. "Doors should be wider, and emergency plans must be more effective. Everybody was running, squeezing into each other, but without proper preparation, it could have been worse."

As of Monday, at least 27 confirmed deaths and 22 critically injured individuals have been reported, with over 60 receiving medical treatment. The disaster has sparked a broader conversation about safety in overcrowded spaces. "The fire’s rapid spread shows how dangerous these environments can be if not properly managed," said a safety officer, urging inspections and updated protocols. The search for answers continues, but the human cost of the inferno remains a stark reminder of the need for vigilance.