Regular Customer Warns of Cramped Bar with Unclear Fire Exits
A Bangkok journalist warns that a popular beer bar on Ladprao Road is dangerously overcrowded with unclear fire exits, including an emergency door blocked by a candy stand and a fire exit sign that only works when the power is on.
Watchara Takam, a journalist and regular at a beer bar on Ladprao Road, recounted on July 13 that he nearly visited the night of a recent incident but was fortunate to cancel. He described the interior as a small, cramped space with poor ventilation and low ceilings, packed with customers especially on Friday and Saturday nights, with over 100 tables squeezed tightly together and shoulder-to-shoulder walking required.
The bar has four entrances total: two main front doors facing Ladprao Road and a right-side entrance where decorative lights were visible in videos. Security staff conduct strict screening for lighters, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and weapons, but internal safety systems remain unclear to patrons.
Two additional exits serve as fire escapes. One is located near the kitchen, a restricted area housing storage, artist rest space, and cooking facilities that tourists cannot access and most don't know exists. The other is a rear door near the restrooms labeled "emergency door" but not clearly marked as a fire exit. A "fire exit" sign on the wall is illuminated and only visible when lights are on. Takam noted that despite frequent visits, he never realized this door was an emergency exit, as it remains closed during service and a candy stand partially blocks the narrow corridor leading to it.
"Even as regular visitors, we didn't know about the emergency door," Takam said. "The fire exit sign is a light sign—if power goes out, you can't see it. During tourist hours, I never saw this door used. The hallway to it and the bathroom entrance are very narrow; people walking toward each other would bump shoulders."
He added that the venue typically prohibits special effects even on birthdays and discourages candles. Decorations consist mainly of artificial flowers and plastic flowers hanging from the ceiling and stage area, with sound-absorbing material throughout. The sound equipment is positioned below the stage. Takam said he had always wondered what would happen in a fire and had discussed safety concerns with others.
