Four members of Bangkok bar's house band killed in deadly fire
A flash fire at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar in Bangkok killed at least 33 people, including four of the six core members of the resident band Totsakan.
A fire that erupted Sunday night at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar in northern Bangkok has claimed at least 33 lives and left dozens injured, authorities said. The blaze, which investigators say may have been ignited by a spark from a circuit breaker and spread rapidly across a ceiling coated with highly flammable sound-proofing foam, forced patrons to flee through narrow exits in total darkness.
Four of the six core members of the venue’s house band, Totsakan, were among those killed. Keyboardist Preutthipong Pudmon, known as “Kwang,” was confirmed dead after his body was retrieved from the Institute of Forensic Science. Lead singer Thitiwat Kaewkanha, nicknamed “Din,” died in hospital after suffering burns over 80% of his body. Drummer Nattapat Thamnita, “Biw,” was evacuated in critical condition but also did not survive. Band leader and vocalist Atipat Wijan, “Ice,” said the band’s female lead singer, Nahatai Sajjalert (“Breeze”), died despite not being burned, describing her as appearing “peacefully asleep” when resuscitation attempts failed.
"If I can be his representative, I think he would say he doesn't want to see everyone sad and cry," said Chanyanuch Pudmon, the sister of the deceased keyboardist, urging people to remember her brother’s smile on stage.
The cause of the fire and the venue’s compliance with safety regulations, including the use of flammable ceiling material and the accessibility of exits, remain under investigation. Emergency services reported that most victims died from smoke inhalation, with a smaller number succumbing to burn injuries.
Survivors and families of the deceased gathered at a police station to file claims and retrieve personal belongings. One survivor, Natthaphong Lakhorn, recounted escaping through a back door guided by a security guard’s flashlight, contradicting earlier police statements that the door had not been used. Another survivor, Kanticha Singkhon, said she plans to seek compensation after her mother, who died in the fire, left her responsible for a younger sibling.
A lawyer for the bar owners indicated that initial compensation would be 10,000 baht (about $300) per victim, a sum described by some families as insufficient to cover funeral costs.