Bangkok Music Bar Fire Kills Over 30, Including Members of House Band

A flash fire at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao music bar in northern Bangkok killed at least 33 people and injured dozens more on Sunday, July 13, 2026. According to Erawan emergency services, 17 of the injured remain in critical condition. Most victims died from smoke inhalation, though some succumbed to burn injuries, according to Wiroon Supasingsiripreecha, chief of the Bangkok Institute of Forensic Science.

Totsakan Band Suffers Heavy Casualties

The tragedy decimated the venue’s house band, Totsakan, a group known for playing roots music popular in rural Thailand. Four of the six core members died in the blaze. The casualties include lead female singer Nahatai Sajjalert (nicknamed “Breeze”), keyboard player Preutthipong Pudmon (“Kwang”), and drummer Nattapat Thamnita (“Biw”).

A fourth member, singer Thitiwat Kaewkanha (“Din”), died in the hospital on Wednesday. According to the Thai newspaper Thai Rath, Thitiwat suffered burns over 80% of his body. Band leader and singer Atipat Wijan, known as “Ice,” told Thai TV Channel 3 that he attempted to help emergency teams resuscitate Sajjalert, but she could not be revived.

Investigation Into Fire Causes and Safety Failures

Authorities are currently investigating the origin of the fire and the reasons for the high death toll. The focus of the probe includes three primary areas:

• Combustible Materials: Investigators are checking if the ceiling was lined with highly flammable soundproofing foam.
• Exit Accessibility: Officials are reviewing whether exits were unlocked and accessible during the panic.
• Legal Status: Authorities are verifying if the venue was legally registered as a business.

Witnesses reported the fire began with a spark from a circuit breaker. Natthaphong Lakhorn, a 26-year-old survivor, told reporters he initially mistook white smoke coming from the stage for dry ice effects. He stated that power failed immediately after the fire broke out, leaving the venue in total darkness. While police reports suggested some doors were not used, Lakhorn claims a security guard used a flashlight to lead people out through a back door near the bathrooms.

Compensation Disputes and Family Impact

Victims’ families and survivors gathered at a police station on Wednesday to provide testimony and retrieve belongings. A lawyer representing the bar owners informed local media that survivors and families would initially receive 10,000 baht (approximately $300) in compensation.

Families have criticized this amount as insufficient. Kanticha Singkhon, 25, whose mother died in the fire, stated she had to take a loan to arrange the funeral because the offered compensation did not cover the costs. Singkhon, who is now responsible for her younger brother, urged bar owners to contact families directly, noting that many victims traveled from distant hometowns.

Summary of Reported Casualties

The investigation remains ongoing as Bangkok authorities determine if negligence regarding fire codes and building materials contributed to the disaster.