Bangkok Beer Bar Fire Kills 27, Injures 63

A fire at a Bangkok beer bar near midnight on July 12-13 killed 27 people and injured 63 others, with victims admitted to 11 hospitals across the capital for treatment of severe burns and smoke inhalation.

2d ago Khaosod

At Rajavithi Hospital, Dr. Somruk Chaosamran, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, visited to oversee treatment of victims from the entertainment venue fire in the Ladprao district. He confirmed the incident occurred near midnight on July 12-13, 2025, at 3:26 a.m., with at least 27 confirmed deaths and 63 injured: 22 in critical condition, 33 in moderate condition, and 8 in minor condition, admitted to 11 hospitals including Rajavithi Hospital (11 patients), Phyathai Phaholyothin (11), Vimut (9), Ladprao (5), Paolo Kesat (5), Chulalongkorn (4), Ramathibodi (4), Petchvej (4), Police Hospital (2), Chokechai 4 (2), and others with one patient each.

Dr. Somruk noted patients suffered burn injuries and smoke inhalation requiring specialized burn ward and ICU care. He ordered all public health ministry hospitals in Bangkok and surrounding areas to prepare burn treatment units and ICU beds for patient transfers. Six hospitals currently have available beds: Thammasat Chulalongkorn (1), Noppharat Rajathanee (3), Vajira (1 burn/1 ICU), Siriraj (3 non-intubated), Bhumibol Adulyadej (1), and Chonburi (2 intubated).

Among the 11 Rajavithi patients, most have burn injuries with six in critical condition, one moderate, one minor, and three requiring no treatment. One green-condition patient was discharged, leaving seven admitted. Health Minister Patthana Prommapan expressed concern and ordered comprehensive care, planning to visit patients this evening.

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National

Understanding Flashover and Backdraft Fire Explosions

A deadly beer hall fire in Bangkok on July 13, 2026 killed 27 people, likely caused by gas accumulation exploding in a sealed kitchen. The incident highlights flashover and backdraft—dangerous fire phenomena where fuel vapors ignite simulta

2d ago Khaosod

Understanding flashover and backdraft fire explosions—deadly fire phenomena with hidden explosive power—revealing factors and warning signs of imminent severe combustion. On July 13, 2026, a severe fire at a beer hall in the Ladprao area in the early morning hours resulted in 27 deaths and 63 injuries. Video footage captured intense flames erupting violently from the shop entrance, believed to have been caused by gas accumulation in a sealed kitchen before the explosive burst.

According to the Samsen Fire and Rescue Station website, flashover occurs when fuel vapors inside a sealed, enclosed building undergo simultaneous combustion instantaneously, causing flames to engulf a room in a split second. Smoke and heat accumulate beneath the ceiling, and as temperature rises, heat radiation spreads downward, causing fuel to emit vapor throughout the room until reaching the ignition temperature, at which point all fuel ignites simultaneously.

Fire gas ignition is the explosion of flames from fuel vapors, typically occurring when flames are carried to vapor-gas mixtures with sufficient oxygen present. Heat can also transfer from one room to another, creating ignition conditions.

Vapor can leak through air ducts and gaps to other rooms and accumulate throughout building structures, such as ceilings and under stairs, requiring no additional air for combustion since the fire already has ready-to-ignite vapor and gas mixtures.

Backdraft is an explosion caused by outside air rushing into fuel or smoke that hasn't ignited or is dying, also called smoke explosion. It occurs when smoke suddenly ignites violently due to oxygen being introduced into a sealed space where oxygen has become depleted or nearly exhausted.

When the fire remains hot but not fully extinguished and doors or openings allow outside air to flow in, all combustion factors become complete, causing rapid, violent ignition resembling an explosion.

Warning signs of impending backdraft include extremely thick black smoke, smoke pulsing in and out through door and window cracks, smoke being forcefully pushed outward, rooms or buildings that are tightly sealed with poor ventilation, and walls with extremely high temperatures.

Before backdraft occurs, smoke can be observed pulsing in and out of openings, with thick black smoke visible through windows while the room fills with heat, carbon monoxide, and other vapors. When a door opens, internal smoke rushes out due to higher internal pressure, and cooler outside air is drawn in at the lower part of the room, mixing carbon monoxide gas with fresh outside air containing 21% oxygen, gradually flowing toward the fire source and displacing hot air upward, with flames visible at lower levels.

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National

Consumer Protection Office to Sue on Behalf of Fire Victims

Thailand's Consumer Protection Board will sue on behalf of victims of a deadly fire at a Ladprao entertainment venue, offering free legal aid and compensation claims for injuries, deaths, and property damage.

2d ago Khaosod

On July 13, 2025, Supamas Israpakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseer of the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), expressed deep sympathy for the deadly fire at the Ladprao entertainment venue, which caused multiple deaths and injuries. The Prime Minister has instructed all agencies to urgently assist affected persons, care for the injured, support families of the deceased, and swiftly investigate the incident.

Supamas ordered CPB Secretary-General Ranrong Phulapipat and Deputy Secretary-General Saran Rakspaeo to lead a team that will coordinate with Chatuchak District Office to inspect the scene and work with relevant agencies to provide relief. The CPB has established a "Victim Assistance and Coordination Center" at Phahonyothin MRT Station to receive complaints, collect evidence, provide legal advice, and facilitate compensation claims for the injured and families of the deceased.

Visitors to the venue are considered consumers with legal rights to safety and protection. The CPB will mediate between victims and the operator to accelerate settlement negotiations and compensation, covering medical expenses, property damage, and related losses. The board will coordinate with investigators to gather evidence; if operators refuse to take responsibility or deny compensation, the Consumer Protection Committee is authorized to file civil lawsuits on behalf of consumers at no cost to victims. Criminal proceedings will be handled separately by Phahonyothin Police Station. Supamas emphasized that the CPB will stand beside the victims, provide legal counsel, and deploy all legal mechanisms to protect consumer rights and ensure fair compensation.

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Police

Musician Confirms Bandmate Dead in Bangkok Beer Hall Fire

Keyboardist Prawit Pudmuan, 35, died in a Bangkok beer hall fire on July 12; bandmate M. Thepbut confirmed his identity at the Police Hospital after searching through the night. The incident has renewed safety concerns about entertainment v

2d ago Khaosod

Singer M. Thepbut confirmed the body of Prawit Pudmuan, a 35-year-old keyboardist for the band Tosakan, at the Police Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine on July 13, 2025, at 12:50 p.m. Thepbut, 39, had searched throughout the night after learning of the fire at the Ladprao beer hall, initially hopeful when rumors of survivors circulated. He described his close friendship with Prawit, noting they had played in the same band before Prawit became keyboardist for Tosakan, which performed regularly at the entertainment venue. They remained in constant contact, and Thepbut had tried to call him on July 12 to discuss an upcoming collaboration but could not reach him before learning of the fire.

Thepbut recounted how around 3:00 a.m. he received word that Prawit had been found and taken to a hospital, prompting him to search multiple hospitals. It was only after learning that the deceased had been taken to the Police Hospital and identified that morning did Thepbut rush to confirm in person. Prawit was a highly skilled musician and instructor who also served in the military with a promising future. The two had previously discussed Prawit's plan to leave Tosakan by month's end to collaborate with Thepbut on composing and performing music, but scheduling conflicts kept him performing at the venue where the tragedy occurred.

As a musician himself, Thepbut highlighted serious safety concerns at entertainment venues. He noted that band stages are typically located deepest within venues, while musicians' exits are usually through specialized doors only. In emergencies, there is often insufficient time to evacuate safely. He emphasized the problem is especially acute on busy nights like Fridays and Saturdays when the venue is packed. Thepbut called for all entertainment venues to prioritize safety systems and fire evacuation routes to prevent future tragedies, saying many musicians are now fearful, having gone into the profession simply to support their families.

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National

Thai Stock Market Expected to Trade Between 1,600-1,650 Points This Week

The Thai stock market is expected to trade sideways between 1,600–1,650 points this week, supported by a Constitutional Court ruling allowing state investment projects and rising consumer confidence despite geopolitical tensions.

2d ago Khaosod

Gloebel Securities (GBS) estimates the Thai stock market will trade sideways within a 1,600–1,650-point range this week, despite headwinds from renewed U.S.–Iran tensions and U.S. interest rate movements. However, the market is supported by multiple positive factors, particularly a 7–2 Constitutional Court ruling that the 400-billion-baht borrowing decree does not violate the constitution, allowing state investment projects to proceed. Additionally, the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) rose in June for the first time in four months, signaling that consumers are easing worries about the international situation and benefiting from the "Thai Helps Thai Plus 60/40" stimulus measure, which boosts domestic spending.

Further positive news includes the Board of Investment's approval of Nestlé's investment project worth over 23 billion baht to build a new coffee factory in Thailand, reinforcing confidence in Thailand as a global manufacturing hub. On the foreign side, U.S. initial jobless claims fell to 215,000, below analyst expectations, and China has relaxed restrictions on technology imports by allowing AI companies limited access to Nvidia's H200 chips.

Investors should closely monitor risk factors, including Middle East tensions following the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) attack on U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as the Federal Reserve meeting, where CME FedWatch data shows 72.7% probability the Fed holds rates at 3.50–3.75% in July and 63.5% probability of at least a 0.25% hike to 3.75–4.00% in September. The CP Group has also sent a letter to Thai Railways requesting termination rights for the high-speed train contract.

Key economic indicators to watch include Thailand's international trade data and vehicle production and export figures in the fourth week of July, industrial production index in the fifth week, and the Bank of Thailand's economic and financial report on July 31, with a Monetary Policy Committee meeting scheduled for August. Internationally, Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Powell will testify on monetary policy to Congress on July 14–15, while the U.S. will release critical economic data including business confidence, employment, inflation (CPI/PPI), manufacturing, oil inventories, retail sales, housing market data, and existing home sales contracts between July 14–16. The Fed's next meeting is scheduled for July 28–29.

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Police

Doctor Warns Fire Survivors to Seek Health Checks Immediately

Fire survivors must seek immediate medical evaluation even without visible injuries, as smoke inhalation and heat exposure can cause life-threatening damage to airways and organs, with symptoms potentially delayed 24-48 hours, warns a Thai

2d ago Khaosod

Dr. Chanyarut Lortweesawat, Vice President of the Thai Medical Association and disaster management specialist, has issued an urgent appeal to fire survivors and the media to take seriously the health risks posed by heat exposure and smoke inhalation, which can be dangerous even without visible external injuries. All survivors should seek immediate medical evaluation to assess the impact of heat and smoke exposure. Warning signs requiring emergency medical attention include difficulty breathing, wheezing, frequent coughing, cough with dark phlegm, hoarseness, severe sore throat, severe headache, dizziness, confusion, vertigo, lethargy, or loss of consciousness, as these may indicate carbon monoxide poisoning or oxygen deprivation, which can be life-threatening.

Smoke contains two critical hazardous substances: carbon monoxide gas and fine particulates such as PM2.5 or smaller, invisible to the naked eye. When inhaled, carbon monoxide competes with red blood cells, preventing oxygen from reaching vital organs, causing headaches, dizziness, reduced consciousness, and potentially cardiac symptoms like chest pain. Fine particulates penetrate directly into the lungs, causing coughing, breathing difficulty, and worsening conditions for those with heart or lung disease.

Dr. Chanyarut advised that victims should evacuate smoke-filled areas quickly, crawling low if necessary since hot smoke and gases rise upward. Wet cloth can reduce inhalation of toxins. Once in fresh air, move the victim to a well-ventilated area. If conscious, place them in a comfortable position; if unconscious but breathing, use the recovery position to prevent airway obstruction. Loosen tight clothing around the neck and chest. For unconscious, unresponsive, non-breathing victims, perform CPR and call emergency services immediately.

For eye irritation from smoke, flush eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes. For throat irritation, sip water gradually. The most critical concern is inhalation injury from heat and toxic gases damaging the airway, with symptoms potentially delayed 24-48 hours. Do not assume early normalcy is safe. Symptoms including rapid breathing, wheezing, severe coughing, dark phlegm, hoarseness, facial burns, singed nasal hair, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or lethargy require immediate hospitalization where doctors will conduct thorough physical examination and assess burn injuries.

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Police

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.

2d ago Khaosod

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.

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National

Thai Marching Band Wins World Music Contest Championship

Thailand's Ratchasima Wittayalai School Marching Band claimed the championship at the World Music Contest in the Netherlands, scoring 95.750 points to win gold and best wind performance honors at the prestigious "Olympics of marching bands.

2d ago Khaosod

KERKRADE, Netherlands — Thailand's Ratchasima Wittayalai School Marching Band (RS Band 2026) from Nakhon Ratchasima province has won the championship title in the Marching category at the World Music Contest (WMC) 2026 in Kerkrade, the Netherlands. The student ensemble earned an outstanding 95.750 points, securing the Gold with Honours award, the Day Prize for the highest score of the day, and the Best Wind award for outstanding wind performance.

The World Music Contest, often called the "Olympics of marching bands and wind music," is held every four years and is one of the world's largest and most prestigious competitions for marching bands. The 2026 edition marked the festival's 75th anniversary, bringing together more than 20,000 musicians from 28 countries. Judges evaluated every element of each performance, including musical quality, musicality, technical precision, and the synchronisation and appeal of marching formations.

RS Band's score reflected excellence across all criteria, showcasing outstanding musicianship, creativity, flawless precision, and exceptional execution that allowed the Thai ensemble to outperform competitors from around the world. The achievement came after months of intensive rehearsals and the dedication of students, instructors, parents, and supporters. The victory is a source of pride not only for the school but for Nakhon Ratchasima and Thailand as a whole, demonstrating that Thai youth can compete with the very best in the world when given opportunity, support, and determination.

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National

Fire Safety: How to Survive and Help Others Escape

A deadly Bangkok beer hall fire highlights critical survival knowledge: toxic smoke inhalation, airway damage, and burns kill fire victims, while proper first aid—including careful victim handling, cooling burns with water, and rapid hospit

2d ago Khaosod

Following a deadly fire at a beer hall in Bangkok that claimed many lives and left numerous injured, understanding fire survival tactics and self-protection methods has become critical. Knowledge of how fires kill and how to prevent harm can significantly reduce risk and increase survival odds.

Fire deaths occur primarily from five causes: (1) Inhalation of toxic smoke and chemicals—incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide from burning foam and plastics, hydrogen chloride from burning PVC pipes, and nitrogen oxides from polymer combustion. These substances bind to hemoglobin, preventing oxygen delivery to the body and causing death. (2) Soot obstruction of airways, causing sudden respiratory failure. (3) Inhalation of hot air and steam, which can cause airway swelling and respiratory collapse. (4) Direct burn injuries to the skin, leading to severe fluid loss and infection. (5) Accidents while escaping, such as falls, crushing, or falls from height.

When helping fire victims, quick and proper first aid is essential. If in immediate danger, evacuate victims as quickly as possible. Once fire is contained, handle victims carefully—support the neck as you move them using a stretcher or board, never by the arms or head. Remove or carefully cut away burnt clothing without tearing (as fabric may stick to skin), and remove jewelry such as watches and bracelets that retain heat. Rinse burnt areas with clean, room-temperature water to cool the body. Cover the victim with water-soaked cloth, then a light blanket, and transport to hospital immediately. If the hospital is far away, give the victim water for rehydration before transport; if nearby, proceed directly. Open the airway and monitor breathing once the victim is moved to safety.

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National

Thailand Holds Firm on 2.76 Trillion Baht Tourism Target

Thailand's tourism ministry is maintaining its 2.76 trillion baht revenue target for 2025 despite global market uncertainties, aiming for 33 million international arrivals while shifting future focus toward visitor quality over volume.

2d ago Khaosod

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports confirmed it will not lower its 2025 tourism revenue target despite facing challenges from international tensions and volatile global tourism markets. Tourism Minister Surasak Pantcharoenkul stated during the opening of the 2026 Tourism Authority of Thailand action plan meeting that the government maintains its revenue goal of approximately 2.75–2.76 trillion baht and will pursue 33 million international arrivals, up from over 32 million last year. The ministry will closely monitor market conditions to manage both opportunities and risks.

For 2026, the ministry is reviewing its target framework and has set a preliminary revenue goal of 2.76 trillion baht, with potential upward adjustment of 5–7 percent to 2.8–2.9 trillion baht if market conditions improve faster than expected. Future targets will prioritize visitor quality, per-capita revenue, and economic impact rather than visitor numbers alone, ensuring sustainable tourism growth.

The ministry plans to consult with the private sector on July 15 to develop 2026 tourism stimulus measures and joint government-private sector policies. If necessary, the government will consider deploying central budget funds or additional support measures. Prime Minister has emphasized tourism's role as Thailand's economic engine, and the administration is expanding cooperation with Malaysia, Vietnam, and China to increase flights and boost visitor confidence. A delegation including the Prime Minister's office, the Tourism Ministry, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand will visit China from July 16–20, covering Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai for tourism, trade, and business operator cooperation discussions.

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Police

Teacher Transferred After Assaulting Nearly 30 Students at Bangkok School

A Bangkok teacher has been transferred after allegations of sexually assaulting nearly 30 students through coercion and abuse of authority, with authorities launching a disciplinary investigation that could result in dismissal from governme

2d ago Khaosod

The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) has transferred a teacher from a well-known Bangkok school following allegations of sexual harassment and assault against nearly 30 students, with a serious disciplinary committee established. If found guilty, the maximum penalties are dismissal or termination from government service.

On July 13, 2569 (2026), representatives from a student-led organization brought Grade 12 students and faculty advisors to file a formal complaint against a male teacher from the LGBTQ community. The teacher allegedly engaged in sexual harassment and indecent assault, affecting over 30 victims. According to accounts from the affected students, the teacher abused his position by using grades as leverage to coerce students into inappropriate physical contact, including reaching into their pants to grab their genitals. The misconduct allegedly affected nearly an entire classroom, causing widespread fear, shame, and psychological trauma.

The complaint has received close attention from government agencies. Officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MDSHS) and administrators from the OBEC's Department of Education attended the filing to gather information and coordinate mental health support for the students, pledging decisive action through both disciplinary and legal channels.

Dr. Aruni Thimachaksa, Assistant Secretary-General of the OBEC, revealed that the school district has taken immediate action by reassigning the teacher to office work at the district education office to prevent further contact with students and to protect the ongoing legal process. A serious disciplinary investigation committee has been formed, and if evidence confirms the allegations, severe disciplinary penalties will be imposed immediately, with the harshest penalties being dismissal or termination from government service.

Meanwhile, Pannaphilai Suttikot, an official from the Department of Child and Youth Affairs under the MDSHS, stated that the agency will urgently coordinate with the families of all affected students to enroll them in psychological rehabilitation and treatment programs. The department will assess their levels of anxiety and trauma from recurring nightmares to provide appropriate therapy so the children can recover mentally and reintegrate into society with resilience.

One parent who filed the complaint expressed the belief that more students may have been victimized but remain too frightened to come forward. The parent appealed to other students and guardians to gather courage and report the misconduct so the teacher faces full legal consequences.

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