A fire at a popular music venue in Bangkok, Thailand, has resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people. The incident occurred late on a Sunday night, July 13, 2026, while the Thai band Thotsakan was performing for about 300 guests. The fire started just before midnight, causing panic and a struggle for survival.
More than 60 people were injured, with many in critical condition. This fire is the deadliest in Bangkok in 17 years. Investigators believe an electrical problem near the stage may have started the blaze. A musician reported seeing smoke from an electrical box before the power went out.
The fire spread quickly because the venue's ceiling was covered in flammable materials. Thick smoke filled the building, making it hard for people to see and escape. Many patrons described the venue as a dark maze with few clear exits. Escape routes were blocked by furniture and other items, and some doors were difficult to open or appeared to be locked from the outside.
Some people tried to hide in the restrooms, but tragically, many of the victims were found there. The cause of most deaths was smoke inhalation, not burns. Bystanders and motorcycle taxi drivers helped rescue people before emergency services arrived. The band Thotsakan lost three members in the fire.
Authorities are investigating the cause and have closed the venue for 30 days. There are questions about the venue's safety inspection, which reportedly passed just months before. This tragedy brings back memories of a similar deadly fire at the Santika club in 2009.