Health Minister Updates on Injuries from Bangkok Beer Bar Fire
Health Minister Pattana Prompattana visited injured patients from a Ladprao Road beer bar fire at Rajavithi Hospital, reporting three critical cases in ICU and one potential additional death, bringing the toll to 29.
Public Health Minister Pattana Prompattana announced the latest developments regarding those injured in the fire at a beer bar on Ladprao Road, emphasizing that the Health Ministry is providing comprehensive care to all victims and attempting to prevent additional deaths. Visiting patients at Rajavithi Hospital on the evening of July 13, the minister found three critical-condition patients in the ICU (all classified as red-code cases) and one yellow-code patient. Medical teams are providing full-capacity care, with other injured patients treated across multiple hospitals. Patients are entitled to emergency care under the Universal Coverage Emergency Policy (UCEP) for the first 72 hours. After that period, the Health Ministry is working with the Department of Medical Services and Bangkok authorities to assess whether public hospital beds and specialists are adequate to handle patient transfers from private hospitals.
Additionally, teams from the Department of Mental Health will provide psychological support to patients and survivors classified as yellow and green codes, while the Department of Health will monitor the area for individuals exposed to smoke who may have chest or respiratory symptoms. The minister emphasized that comprehensive care teams are in place across all departments.
When asked about severe cases, Pattana noted that burn injuries remain a concern. He also revealed that one additional death has been reported, pending confirmation, which would bring the total death toll to 29. He stressed that burn victims and those with respiratory complications require close monitoring for infection prevention on both the skin and respiratory tract, demanding expert medical oversight.
The minister highlighted that the first seven days carry significant risk, though medical teams are working to prevent further fatalities. Regarding the bar owner, he remains classified as a red-code case requiring additional evaluation today. Burn injuries typically require long-term treatment, as do respiratory complications.
