A devastating fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district on Saturday night, July 12, has claimed the lives of 27 people and left 63 injured. Among the survivors is Tik Chaichana, the lead singer of the Thai band Totsakan, who expressed profound guilt and self-blame in the aftermath of the tragedy.
A Moment’s Decision Saves a Life
Tik Chaichana recounted that he was on stage performing with Totsakan when he felt the need to use the restroom. He stepped off stage and headed to the men’s room located at the rear of the venue. Shortly after, the fire erupted. This seemingly ordinary decision to step away from the performance proved to be life-saving, as the fire broke out while he was in the restroom.
He managed to escape the inferno through a rear fire exit situated near the men’s toilet. This exit, unfortunately, was not accessible to many others trapped inside. In a poignant social media post on his Facebook account, under the name Jakchai Phokasombat, Tik confirmed his survival but revealed the immense personal loss he suffered. “I’m safe, thank you everyone for your concern. But my phone and all my belongings burned. If you need to reach me, contact this Facebook account. My mind is truly not okay right now,” he wrote.
Tik also shared a harrowing video clip capturing his escape. The footage shows him running from the engulfed pub, clutching a bottle of water, before collapsing into the arms of a bystander, audibly lamenting, “It’s my fault.” This raw display of grief underscores the psychological toll the event has taken on him.
Totsakan Band Suffers Heavy Losses
The tragedy has deeply impacted the band Totsakan. Tributes have flooded social media for Nong Breeze, a female singer with the group, who was confirmed among the 27 fatalities. Concerns are also mounting for Din Thitiwat Kaewkanha, another lead singer for Totsakan, who remains unaccounted for. While some fans and acquaintances have posted messages of mourning for him, others have emphasized that his death has not been officially confirmed, holding onto hope for his survival.
In the immediate aftermath of the fire, two members of Totsakan were reported missing. The incident occurred at the popular live music venue, located near Soi Lat Phrao 1, just before midnight. Firefighters worked diligently and managed to bring the blaze under control by approximately 12:32 AM.
Investigating the Cause and Escape Route Failures
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that a significant number of victims were discovered clustered near the venue’s two fire escape routes. Investigations revealed that these escape routes were obstructed, with one report mentioning a table used for selling sweets blocking access. This obstruction severely hampered the ability of patrons to flee the rapidly spreading flames.
Adding to the grim findings, a rescue worker informed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul that one fire exit door had reportedly been double-bolted. The alleged reason for this dangerous measure was a fear among venue management that intoxicated customers might leave without settling their bills. Such practices, if confirmed, would represent a severe dereliction of safety duties.
Authorities are continuing the painstaking process of identifying all victims. Further updates regarding the status of the two missing band members are expected as the investigation progresses. The focus remains on understanding the exact cause of the fire and how safety protocols failed, leading to such a catastrophic loss of life.
Community Mourns and Seeks Answers
The Bangkok pub fire has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting widespread grief and calls for accountability. The loss of 27 lives, including young musicians, is a profound tragedy. As families await definitive identification of their loved ones and the band Totsakan grapples with the loss of its members, the investigation into the fire’s origins and the alleged obstructions of fire exits is paramount. Officials are committed to providing clarity and ensuring that measures are taken to prevent such a disaster from recurring in the future.
