Police Officers Battle Smoke to Rescue Casualties from Ladprao Bar Fire
Two Bangkok police officers fought through thick smoke to rescue casualties from a deadly Ladprao bar fire on July 13, with bodycam footage showing them pulling an unconscious woman to safety despite severe smoke inhalation.
On July 14, 2026, bodycam footage from Senior Sergeant Warichai Chaiwong and Senior Sergeant Mangkorn Kotchompoo—two police officers who responded to rescue victims from the Ladprao beer bar fire—captured the harrowing events as they unfolded. The officers arrived on motorcycles at the entrance of the venue at 12:13 a.m. on July 13 and immediately began questioning early evacuees about injuries before checking the entrance area and shouting for people to evacuate. Upon entering the venue, they were shocked by the severity of the situation and alerted firefighters that many people were trapped near the back exit. Despite thick smoke filling the area, the officers attempted entry to assist victims but were forced to retreat due to the heavy smoke, calling for additional help from other personnel. At 12:14 a.m., the officers successfully rescued one unconscious woman but suffered severe smoke inhalation in the process. Throughout the ordeal, the officers communicated with each other about the dangers inside and the multiple casualties, but remained determined to save as many lives as possible, repeatedly emphasizing their commitment to helping injured victims.
