Police Chief Eyes Negligence in Deadly Ladprao Bar Fire
Police are investigating negligence in a July 13 fire at a Bangkok beer bar that killed 27 people, with inspectors finding blocked exits, missing door handles, and flammable decorations that may have hindered evacuation.
National Police Commander General Kittisart Puntpetch visited the scene of the fire at the Ladprao beer bar on July 13, 2025, confirming 27 deaths awaiting identification at the police hospital's forensic institute. Relatives can report information at the MET Center, Phaholyothin Police Station, or the national police operations center. Sixty-three people were injured, with some already discharged. The commander ordered investigators from the Metropolitan Police Bureau 2 and Phaholyothin Station to work with forensic police, district offices, and forensic pathologists, dividing the investigation into multiple teams examining the owner, partners, managers, staff, cooks, and contractors involved in renovations.
Onsite inspections revealed the front entrance had two doors and the back had two additional exits. However, a table selling toffee was found blocking the women's bathroom entrance. Most victims were found near the bathrooms, suggesting people became disoriented during the fire and sought shelter or water. The investigation found doors with handles and locks, but whether they were actually locked remains under review. Another rear exit marked "Exit" was discovered to have a missing door handle and was blocked by shelving and lockers, allowing only single-file passage. Inspectors are checking whether these obstructions or building modifications complicated evacuation or accelerated fire spread.
The area above the stage had extensive decorations that may have used flammable materials for sound system improvements, suggesting possible recklessness. The police commander stated the preliminary theory is negligence, and ordered forensic specialists to examine all ceiling areas, electrical wiring, equipment quality, circuit breakers, and safety systems. The 53-year-old building underwent multiple modifications, prompting coordination with the district office to review construction permits from each period. Rescue and firefighting personnel will be questioned to verify whether doors were locked during the incident, and all evidence is being compiled for prosecution.
