At least 33 people, including four members of the band Tossakan, have died following a devastating fire at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district on July 12.
According to CH7 News, the fire broke out at a bar in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district on July 12. Witnesses said they heard a loud explosion before flames erupted from an area near the stage. Thick black smoke quickly engulfed the venue within seconds, sending hundreds of patrons scrambling for the exits. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control after about 30 minutes.
As of July 16, the death toll had risen to 33, with more than 70 people injured. Most of the victims died from smoke inhalation, while others succumbed to severe burns after receiving medical treatment.
Tossakan, an 11-member band that regularly performed at the venue every Sunday night, confirmed that four of its members had lost their lives: female vocalist Breeze, drummer Nattapat Thamnita, keyboardist Pruttipong Phutmon, and lead singer Thitiwat Kaewkanha.
“We have lost members of the Tossakan family. We sincerely thank everyone for their encouragement and prayers,” the band said in a statement, while also extending condolences to the families of all other victims.
According to CH7 News, Breeze was the first band member confirmed dead. She was pronounced dead at the scene after rescue teams reached the stage area. The news shocked many colleagues, as she had shared photos just hours earlier while preparing for the performance.
Drummer Nattapat Thamnita was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Khaosod reported that he suffered extensive burns, severe lung damage caused by smoke inhalation, multiple broken ribs, and required life support in the intensive care unit. Despite doctors’ efforts over several days, he later died from multiple organ failure.
Initially, fellow musicians and family members believed keyboardist Pruttipong Phutmon had escaped and was receiving treatment at a hospital. However, after authorities conducted a thorough search of the venue, his body was discovered inside the bar. The confirmation devastated both his family and the remaining members of Tossakan.
On July 16, Tossakan announced that lead vocalist Thitiwat Kaewkanha had also passed away after several days of intensive treatment. According to CH7 News, the singer had suffered burns over more than 80 percent of his body. Medical staff carried out extensive life-saving procedures but were ultimately unable to save him.
The band’s leader recalled that the musicians were among the first to notice something was wrong. “I was standing below the stage at the time. Everything turned chaotic within 10 to 15 seconds. Customers rushed toward the front and rear emergency exits, and we kept shouting for everyone to run,” he said.
Other band members said the fire spread much faster than anyone expected. Dense smoke reduced visibility to nearly zero, and many people collapsed while trying to escape through the crowded exits.
The blaze is being described as one of the deadliest entertainment venue disasters in Bangkok in recent years. Thousands of people across Thailand have left messages of condolence on Tossakan’s social media pages, mourning the four musicians who lost their lives while performing for their audience.
According to the Bangkok Post, police are focusing their investigation on the bar’s electrical system, the ceiling’s soundproofing materials, and the layout of emergency exits. Some witnesses claimed that the rear emergency exit was partially blocked by stored items, trapping people as they attempted to flee.
Following an inspection of the scene, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that authorities would conduct comprehensive safety inspections of entertainment venues throughout the city. Thai officials also said they would determine the responsibility of the bar owner and any other individuals involved if violations of fire safety regulations are discovered.
Sources: TP
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