Tragic fire in Lad Prao venue leaves scores dead and many more critically injured

Just before midnight on July 12, a deadly fire erupted in a Lad Phrao evening eatery and beer house, Rong Bia na Lad Phrao, leaving 27 dead and many more people critically injured – a devastating case for all of Thailand as one of the worst incidents in recent years. 

According to initial reports released this morning, July 13, emergency responders attended the scene and immediately categorised it as a ‘Red Case’ by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. A ‘Red Case’ refers to a critical, life-threatening emergency requiring an immediate response.

Those injured have been rushed to nearby medical facilities, while families rush to the scene to find their loved ones. Many identities are still yet confirmed. 

According to local news reports, a musician performing that night said the fire started after an electric sign short circuited, followed by an explosion. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene in the early hours this morning, where he reviewed the scene and noted a lack of clear and unobstructed fire exits. 

Bangkok is a city famed for its nightlife and lively neighbourhoods in almost every district, and while an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire and the sheer loss of life, we hope that the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) take this as a sign to do more to safeguard people in the city and ensure venues are consistently up to code. 

Our sincere condolences are with the families and all those affected by the fire. We hope that the situation is investigated thoroughly and measures are put in place to prevent any similar occurrences happening in the future.