How Flammable Decor, Lax Rules Turned Bangkok Pub Into A Death Trap
A deadly fire at a Bangkok pub, which killed at least 30 people, has been attributed to flammable decor and potential safety regulation failures. Authorities are investigating the cause, which is suspected to be an electrical short circuit.
Why it matters
The tragedy has sparked a renewed debate regarding fire safety standards and enforcement in Thailand's hospitality sector.
At first, only thick smoke billowed out of the front entrance of the bar in northern Bangkok. It was around midnight.Within seconds, an intense horizontal plume of fire gushed out of the doorway leading to the street, according to a video posted on social media and verified by Reuters.Screams and shrieks filled the air.Outside for a cigarette, Usa Tadsree at first noticed the lights flicker inside and then spotted the smoke."I wanted to go back in to get my friends but there was intense heat coming out, so I had to run out," said Usa, 41.At least 30 people have died as a result of the fire and 75 are injured, 24 of them critically.
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