A fire broke out at a bar-restaurant in Chatuchak District, Bangkok, at midnight on the 13th, resulting in 28 deaths. Preliminary inspections by the authorities have revealed multiple safety violations at the venue.
According to the Bangkok Post on the 14th, the bodies of the victims have been sent to hospitals for identification. As of the evening of the 13th, there were 28 dead and 71 injured, with 25 seriously injured. It is believed that about 45 people who were at the venue during the incident are still missing.
The Interior Ministry found that a candy and snack stall was blocking the fire escape at the back of the building, and one emergency exit was labeled "Do not open (Staff Only)," causing confusion among customers attempting to escape.
Officials discovered that neither the building itself nor the interior decoration made use of fireproof materials.
The joint inspection team included the police, Bangkok city government, as well as departments such as the Department of Public Works and Town Planning.
Although the cause of the fire has yet to be confirmed, authorities believe it may have started due to a short circuit in the air conditioning unit wiring above the ceiling, with the fire spreading rapidly afterward.
● No Entertainment Venue License
The premises had not obtained an entertainment venue license but only possessed licenses for restaurant and live music performances. In addition, its location lies outside the designated entertainment zone.
Further inspections will confirm whether the current use of the building is authorized and whether any illegal renovations have taken place.
National Police Chief Kittirat stated that a joint investigation team has been established to review the case, with the scope of investigation including business partnerships and the officials involved in licensing and inspections.
He said: "Police are also examining the building's electrical system, circuit breakers, sprinkler system, and structural modifications to determine if negligence contributed to the deaths."
Kittirat pointed out that there are two entrances at the front and two exits at the back, but one exit near the restroom was blocked by a stall. Another exit had no doorknob and was obstructed by shelves and storage cabinets, leaving only a narrow passage.
He said: "Many of the victims were found in the men's and women's restrooms. Officials believe that after the venue was engulfed in thick smoke and power was cut, they may have been unable to see clearly to escape."
Bangkok Metropolitan Police Deputy Chief Panlop said that police have not yet questioned witnesses to verify reports that employees locked the door to prevent customers from leaving without paying their bills.
Anura, the district assistant chief of Chatuchak, said officials inspected the venue as recently as April this year.
The Bangkok city government will conduct further inspections to assess the building's structural integrity and determine whether it remains safe.