Thailand PM visits Bangkok bar after fire kills 27; videos capture horror

Bangkok: Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the site of a deadly fire at a popular bar and restaurant in Bangkok after the blaze killed at least 27 people and injured more than 60 others.

The fire broke out shortly before midnight at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, an entertainment venue in Bangkok's Chatuchak district. Firefighters brought the blaze under control within around 30 minutes, but the fire had already caused widespread devastation.

Speaking to reporters at the scene, the Prime Minister confirmed that 27 bodies had been recovered and said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Anutin said he spoke to a musician who had been performing when the fire began. According to the witness, the blaze appeared to start near an electrical cut-out switch before spreading rapidly, followed by an explosion that filled the venue with smoke and flames.

The Prime Minister said many people were unable to escape because they fled towards the rear of the building and sought shelter inside toilets, where most of the victims were later found.

Officials said more than 60 people are receiving treatment in hospital, while several others remain unaccounted for.

Images from the scene showed extensive fire damage inside the venue, with charred interiors, collapsed ceiling sections and emergency crews working outside the building.

Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt said flammable interior decorations may have accelerated the spread of the fire. He also said preliminary reports suggested merchandise stalls may have partially blocked emergency exits, although investigators will determine whether safety violations contributed to the disaster.

Authorities have launched a full forensic investigation to establish the exact cause of the fire and examine whether negligence or building safety failures played a role in one of Bangkok's deadliest recent fire tragedies.