Laotian Worker Killed in Ladprao Beer Hall Fire Returned Home
A Laotian worker killed in the deadly Ladprao beer hall fire has been repatriated to his hometown in Laos for religious ceremonies, as Thailand and Laos coordinate efforts to assist victims of the July 12 tragedy.
A Laotian worker who died in the Ladprao beer hall fire has been returned to his hometown in Laos for religious ceremonies. On July 15, 2025, authorities reported a solemn atmosphere at the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge border checkpoint in Mukdahan Province as officials from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation transported the deceased Laotian worker from the Ladprao beer hall fire to hand over to the Savannakhet Volunteer Rescue Association for repatriation.
The victim was identified as Phonepaseut Poungppany, a Laotian laborer who worked at the Ladprao beer hall. He was from Ban Kruea Khao Kad, Muang District, Savannakhet Province, Laos. After receiving the body from Thai officials, the Savannakhet Volunteer Rescue Association transported it across the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge back to his hometown so his family could conduct merit-making and religious ceremonies according to Laotian tradition.
The Ladprao beer hall fire on the night of July 12, 2025, caused significant loss of life, bringing the death toll to 32 with many more injured. Among the deceased were two Laotian workers: Phonepaseut Poungppany and Viangphon Chandavong, both employees of the establishment. Viangphon Chandavong had suffered severe injuries from the fire and was initially treated at Rama 9 Hospital before being transferred to Chonburi Hospital, where she later died.
Thailand and Laos continue to work closely together in assisting affected individuals, facilitating the repatriation of the deceased, and providing ongoing support to the bereaved families of both nations.
