Death Toll In Bangkok Pub Fire Rises To 32, Families Seek Justice And Compensation

Published 15 July 2026 · health

Death Toll In Bangkok Pub Fire Rises To 32, Families Seek Justice And Compensation Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 11:00 IST Death toll

Death Toll In Bangkok Pub Fire Rises To 32, Families Seek Justice And Compensation Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 11:00 IST Death toll in Bangkok's pub fire climbed to 32, with dozens still in hospital as investigators probed possible negligence and families sought compensation. Rapid Read Family members receive the body of a Bangkok pub fire victim at the Police Hospital morgue. Photo| Reuters The aftermath of Bangkok’s deadly pub fire shifted from rescue efforts to grief and accountability on Wednesday, as survivors and families of those killed gathered at a police station to recover belongings, record statements and seek compensation following one of Thailand’s worst fire tragedies in recent years. The death toll from the blaze at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar has risen to 32 after two more victims succumbed to their injuries, according to the Police Hospital. Authorities said 30 people remain hospitalised,15 in intensive care units, while 44 others have been discharged. Survivors Return To Police Station Outside Phahonyothin Police Station, survivors and grieving relatives queued to identify personal belongings recovered from the bar. Photographs of items, including mobile phones left behind during the fire, were displayed on the station’s walls. Among those visiting the station was 26-year-old Natthaphong Lakhorn, who had gone to the bar with four companions on the night of the fire. Sitting near the stage when the blaze erupted, he initially mistook the white smoke for a dry ice effect before realising the venue was on fire.

“When the fire broke, I just ran, and then all power went out," Natthaphong said. “It was so hectic." One of the friends who accompanied him, a relative, died in the fire. Wearing bandages over both ears and part of his forehead, Natthaphong said he also intends to seek compensation for his injuries. According to AP, survivors visited the police station on Wednesday to submit statements and begin the compensation process. Families Say Compensation Falls Short For many families, the visit was also about reclaiming the belongings of loved ones who never returned home. Kanticha Singkhon, 25, collected her mother’s handbag and other personal items from the police station. With her mother’s death, she said she has now become responsible for caring for her younger brother. “I want them (the owners of the bar) to be the one reaching out to the families. Rather than having us come to the police station ourselves because they (family members of victims) would be going back to their hometowns by now," she said. “They won’t have time, because each victim came from far away." A lawyer representing the bar owners told local media that survivors and families of those killed would initially receive 10,000 baht (approximately $300) in compensation. Kanticha, however, said the amount was insufficient. “It’s not enough money for a funeral – I had to take a loan to arrange my mom’s funeral," she said.