Locked Exits and Flammable Decorations Under Investigation After Bangkok Bar Fire Kills 30

Thai authorities are investigating whether negligence contributed to the devastating fire that tore through a Bangkok bar, as the death toll has risen to 30.

Investigators are examining reports that emergency exits were locked and that highly flammable decorations inside the venue accelerated the spread of the blaze, which erupted near the stage late on Sunday.

Police General Kittiratt Phanphet said initial findings point to serious safety failures, describing the conditions inside the venue as evidence of “a lack of caution and disregard for the safety of the patrons.”

Emergency responders found many of the victims in the bar’s restrooms, where investigators believe they had sought refuge after attempting to escape the flames but were unable to get out.

Authorities said 27 of the victims had been formally identified by Tuesday morning. More than 70 people were injured in the fire, with 24 remaining in critical condition.

Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze was triggered by an electrical short circuit in an air conditioning unit, which quickly caused a power outage throughout the building.

Fire safety expert Busakorn Saensuk, from the Engineering Institute of Thailand, said an inspection of Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao found that a door near the restrooms was locked, while the venue’s main entrance was partially blocked by furniture and other obstacles.

She said patrons would naturally have fled away from the flames towards the rear of the building, only to find themselves trapped.

Busakorn also noted that emergency exit signs were not illuminated and said functioning signage could have helped people locate and open an escape route.

Investigators further found that the stage was decorated with highly flammable materials, including plastic flowers, while combustible foam had been used across the ceiling, allowing the fire to spread rapidly.

Survivors described the stage becoming engulfed in flames within seconds. Thai indie band Thotsakan, which was performing when the blaze broke out, confirmed that two of its members were among those killed.