Bangkok: Updates on the tragic fire at the "Beer House at Ladprao" entertainment venue near Soi Ladprao 1, Chom Phon Subdistrict, Chatuchak District, reveal that the death toll has risen to 30, with over 76 people injured. The fire, which occurred on July 12, 2026, has prompted an urgent investigation by local police to hold those responsible accountable.
According to Thai News Agency, Police Major General Kiatikul Sonthinern, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2, has convened an urgent meeting with the investigative team to determine the direction of the case. They have interviewed 34 witnesses and related individuals and are prepared to file serious charges if evidence shows building modifications, or if fire exits were locked or blocked. The team has systematically divided witnesses and related parties into six groups for questioning: business owners, employees, relatives of victims, forensic officers, rescue personnel, and government officials.
The investigation has revealed significant information from the testimonies of surviving employees and customers, which is crucial for the case. The Commander emphasized the need to separately determine the cause of the fire and investigate the high number of deaths and injuries. He noted conflicting testimonies regarding the visibility of fire exit signs and the status of fire exits during the incident, despite a safety inspection in April 2026 declaring the systems fully operational.
The Forensic Science Division is conducting a detailed inspection of the fire scene to analyze its origin. The findings will play a key role in determining whether negligence or intentional obstruction of fire exits occurred. If evidence supports such claims, those responsible will face charges for negligence causing death and serious injury, as well as violations of building control laws.
Investigators are also examining the building's construction history for unauthorized alterations and are exploring the establishment's history of ownership changes. They will verify if the venue had conducted any fire emergency drills or training.
One of the key shareholders, who suffered severe burns during the incident and is currently in the ICU, has not yet been questioned due to their medical condition. The investigation team awaits further updates on their health.
Official updates indicate a total of 30 deaths and 76 injuries. The Metropolitan Police Division 2 investigation team is scheduled to meet at 7:00 PM to review forensic evidence before finalizing charges against those involved.