Bangkok Governor Chatchatchai Sittipan reported on July 13 that the fire at the Brew Pub on Lat Phrao Road has killed 27 people, with many more injured and hospitalized, mostly with severe burn injuries. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has established a coordination center for victims and families while authorities work to identify the deceased. Early investigation suggests that some victims were found near the left exit, where obstructions may have blocked escape routes.

Governor Chatchatchai noted that fire spread rapidly, particularly across the ceiling and interior decoration materials, while plastic tables and chairs in many areas showed minimal burn damage. This suggests toxic smoke from decorative materials was a major factor in the deaths. Authorities are examining building permits, structural safety measures, fire escape routes, emergency exit signage, and potential obstructions. Two fire exits were initially identified, with one leading from the kitchen area used mainly by staff.

An April inspection found the venue met fire safety standards with two exits, emergency lighting, and fire extinguishers, but conditions changed during actual operation with candy tables and materials placed near exits and fire escape routes. The owner, currently receiving medical treatment, is facing potential legal action. Governor Chatchatchai noted the venue operated as a restaurant with music rather than as a licensed entertainment establishment, and he indicated intent to expand building safety standards. Decorative materials used in music venues may not be subject to flammability requirements, and authorities plan to coordinate with the Department of Public Works to strengthen standards across similar facilities.

The Gold Research Center released results from its GRC Gold Survey on gold price direction for July 13-17, 2026. Among 13 market experts surveyed, 6 (46%) expect prices to move similarly to the previous week, while 4 (31%) predict a price increase and 3 (23%) forecast a decline. In a separate survey of 319 gold investors, 155 (49%) expect domestic gold prices to rise next week, 103 (32%) expect a decline, and 61 (19%) anticipate movement similar to the previous week.

During the past week, 96.5% gold bars traded between 64,250-65,750 baht per baht-weight, closing at 65,000 baht—down 550 baht from the prior week's close of 65,550 baht. The research center identified key factors to monitor this week, including the Federal Reserve's monetary policy direction following its June 16-17 meeting minutes, which showed continued concern about inflation risks, particularly from elevated energy prices. Markets expect the Fed may raise interest rates at least once more this year.

Investors are also tracking U.S. inflation figures and statements from Fed Chair Powell to assess monetary policy direction. Another concern is escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, which could threaten Middle East stability and impact global oil supply. Prolonged conflict could push oil prices and inflation higher, increasing demand for gold as a safe-haven asset.

Markets await key U.S. economic data including Consumer Price Index (CPI), Producer Price Index (PPI), Federal Reserve manufacturing surveys, Philadelphia Fed business outlook, preliminary consumer confidence, the Beige Book economic summary, and weekly jobless claims—all critical factors for gold price movement ahead.

Pattarin Wachirakanpan, Chief Operating Officer of Leng Hongsa Commodities, noted the gold market between July 13-17 remains in a "stuffy" state as investors track Middle East tensions. Although ceasefire negotiations occur periodically, their success remains unclear. However, markets are becoming more accustomed to war-related factors as the situation drags on.

Police have confirmed 27 deaths from the fire that destroyed a beer bar in the Ladprao area of Bangkok, with initial victim identifications being released. Tragically, many bodies were discovered clustered in and around the bathroom area. The incident occurred around 11:50 p.m. on July 12 near Soi Ladprao 1 in Chatuchak District. Firefighters and rescue personnel from multiple agencies rushed to assist victims with emergency resuscitation efforts, with initial reports indicating nearly 30 deaths and more than 60 injuries.

At 12:30 a.m. on July 13, 2025, rescue and fire personnel cleared the interior of the building after the fire was extinguished. The internal structure of the entertainment venue was completely destroyed and reduced to ash and charcoal. Investigators discovered many bodies trapped inside the bar, with the majority found clustered near the bathroom entrance and inside the restrooms. It is believed that when the fire broke out and the electricity failed, patrons could not see emergency exits and attempted to flee into the bathrooms, where they were overcome by smoke and flames.

At 1:00 a.m., Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by senior police officials and forensic teams from the Police Hospital, arrived at the scene to inspect and conduct preliminary autopsies. The Prime Minister expressed deep condolences to families of the victims, noting that most deaths occurred as people fled into the bathroom area. He stated that preliminary interviews with survivors and musicians indicated that smoke emerged from equipment on stage before the lights went out, followed by an explosion-like sound and then smoke filling the bar. Patrons fled toward the back of the building to the bathrooms, which had no clearly marked emergency exits.

Police have updated casualty figures to 27 deaths (9 male, 18 female) and 18 injured, with the injured distributed across multiple hospitals classified by severity: 8 critical cases, 7 moderate cases, and 3 minor cases. Authorities are continuing investigations at the scene and working to formally identify all victims.

A major fire at a beer hall and restaurant in Bangkok's Ladprao area has claimed at least 9 lives and left many others injured. Emergency responders received the alarm at 11:57 p.m. on July 12, 2025, for a fire at an establishment near Ladprao Soi 1 in Chatuchak district. When firefighters from Sutthisan Station arrived, flames were already spreading rapidly with many people trapped inside. One initial burn victim received first aid at the scene. Firefighting crews from Phahon Yothin, Phayathai, and Huay Khwang stations joined the effort, deploying three water jets to combat the intense blaze. After approximately 35 minutes, firefighters brought the fire under control. Initial investigation found 9 fatalities, with most bodies recovered from bathroom areas. Many more people sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals.

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Wichit – Phuket police have dismantled a major illegal cigarette storage operation, seizing more than 10,000 packs of untaxed foreign brands during a raid on a rental property in Wichit Subdistrict, Mueang District. At 7:30 a.m. on July 12, 2026, Pol. Col. Somsak Thongkliang, Superintendent of Wichit Police Station, joined forces with Pol. Col. Prawit […] Police Raid Uncovers Massive Cache of Smuggled Cigarettes in Wichit -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

A 37-year-old former soldier named Golf (Sergeant Major Nuttapon) surrendered at Ban Pong Police Station in Ratchaburi Province on July 12, 2569, and confessed to shooting his ex-wife and her new boyfriend. The incident occurred at a residence on Saline Soi Chalerm Phra Kiat Rama 9 in the Praves district of Bangkok, where the suspect discovered his ex-wife with her new partner.

According to the initial confession, the suspect admitted to losing control due to jealousy despite having divorced his ex-wife, Intira (Tarn), over two years ago. Upon seeing them together, he drew a 9mm pistol from his bag and fired 15 rounds at both victims. The new boyfriend, Rathapumi (Fim), died at the scene, while his ex-wife Tarn sustained severe injuries. The suspect then fled back to his hometown.

After surrendering, the suspect handed over the weapon used in the incident. Police have taken him into custody and coordinated with the Ratchaburi Provincial Police Investigation Division to collect evidence. The case has been forwarded to Udomsuk Police Station for further legal proceedings.