Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry comments on its citizens after Thailand fire

According to the Ministry's press service, there is currently no official information regarding any Kazakhstani citizens among the victims.

"As of now, no official information has been received from the competent authorities of Thailand regarding potential Kazakhstani casualties, nor have there been any appeals from citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kazakh Embassy in Bangkok. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation," the department stated.

According to DW, the fire broke out late Sunday night at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao establishment, located in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok's Chatuchak District. The bar was popular with locals and is situated near the famous Chatuchak Market, which is visited by tens of thousands of residents and tourists on weekends.

According to Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the bodies of 27 victims were recovered from the scene. Another 63 people were transported to hospitals with various injuries, with 22 reported to be in critical condition.

Preliminary reports suggest the fire started near the stage. Eyewitnesses described the venue filling rapidly with thick smoke, causing panicked patrons to scramble for exits. Many fled deeper into the building but were unable to find an evacuation route. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that a significant number of the deceased were discovered in the restrooms.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the primary cause of death was likely smoke inhalation rather than the flames themselves.

Rescue teams arrived on the scene within minutes of the call, but by then the fire had already engulfed nearly the entire premises. The blaze was contained after approximately half an hour.

Thai authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the tragedy. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the establishment was licensed to operate as a restaurant, and police are reviewing past safety inspection records. He also stated that investigators are looking into potential fire safety violations, emphasizing that if negligence is found, "there will be no leniency."

According to media reports, ten of the victims have been identified so far. Nine are Thai nationals, and one is a citizen of Laos.

International publications note that this is the deadliest fire in Thailand in nearly two decades. Previously, the most significant tragedy of this kind was the 2009 New Year's Eve fire at Bangkok's Santika nightclub, which killed over 60 people and injured more than 200.

The Kazakh Foreign Ministry emphasized that they are continuing to monitor the situation and remain in contact regarding the matter. To date, no requests for assistance have been received from Kazakhstani citizens at the embassy in Bangkok.