Bangkok bar fire kills 30, safety violations under investigation

As of Tuesday morning, authorities have identified 27 of the 30 victims who died in a fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in Bangkok. More than 70 people were injured, 24 of them critically.

Preliminary investigations indicate the blaze was caused by a short circuit in an air conditioner, which immediately cut power to the bar, according to officials.

Patrons who had visited the bar previously described it as a dark space with poor exit markings. Phatsara Khamloet, who visited in May, told BBC Thai she had to navigate a "winding route" to reach the restroom and noted that exits were not clearly marked.

Fire safety expert Busakorn Saensuk from the Engineering Institute of Thailand inspected the aftermath. She said a door near the restrooms was locked, and two doors at the entrance were partially blocked by furniture and other objects. Customers instinctively fled the fire towards the back where the restrooms were, but could not escape, she explained.

"If the emergency signs were lit, people would have been able to see how the door was locked and may have been able to unlock it," Busakorn said.

She also noted that the stage was decorated with highly flammable materials such as plastic flowers, and the ceiling was covered with combustible foam. Survivors reported that the stage was engulfed in flames within seconds.

Thai indie band Thotsakan was performing when the fire broke out; two of its members died in the tragedy. Police are investigating possible safety lapses and have said they will pursue legal action if violations are found.

The incident has raised concerns about fire safety standards in entertainment venues across Thailand. Officials have promised stricter inspections and enforcement of building codes.