The National Police Chief held an urgent meeting on the Lat Phrao brewery fire case, appointing two investigative teams: one to examine Building Act compliance and another to question all involved. He vowed that from now on, the phrase “lessons learned” will no longer be used. Incidents like this must never happen again in all entertainment venues in Bangkok and provinces.
At 09:00 on 13 July 2026 at Phahonyothin Police Station, Police General Kittirat Phanphet, the National Police Chief, met with key officials involved in the Lat Phrao brewery fire case, including Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau; Police Major General Kiatkul Sonthiener, Chief of Metropolitan Police Division 2; Police Colonel Marut Sudnongbua, Superintendent of Phahonyothin Police Station; Police Lieutenant Colonel Krittasapas Sangsimma, Deputy Superintendent (Investigation) of Phahonyothin Police Station and case officer; forensic officers; forensic medical doctors from the Police Hospital; and other relevant agencies.
Police Hospital and related agencies.
After more than an hour of the urgent meeting, Police General Kittirat said two main causes are being considered: negligence and accident. Two investigative teams have been established. The first team is investigating compliance with the Building Act, including proper procedures, any building modifications, whether fire escape doors meet legal requirements, the electrical system, and its legality.
The second team is interviewing all involved parties: the owner, partners, staff, patrons, and witnesses to gather information and evidence, including forensic examination and autopsy results, to determine the true cause.
Reports indicate that during the fire, many patrons fled into the restroom and died there. Authorities are investigating whether the venue had an emergency response plan or public communication during the incident, proper escape routes to ensure safety and minimize casualties, as well as reports of intense flames bursting from the main entrance. Additionally, there are reports that tables were placed blocking the fire exit door, which forensic officers must thoroughly examine.
The Police Chief added that currently, 27 people have died and 63 are injured, both identified and unidentified. Among the deceased, six carried identification cards—three men and three women. For unidentified victims, authorities are asking relatives who suspect missing family members to contact Phahonyothin Police Station, the Forensic Institute at the Police Hospital, or the incident site. A reporting center has been set up.
Owner Suwicha Sailabat from Yasothon, who owns the brewery, was seriously injured and is being treated at Paolo Hospital Phahonyothin. Initially, it is known that the venue had proper operating licenses.
Some injured persons have been treated and discharged. Authorities request their cooperation to provide information about the incident to police and rescue units.
Preliminary charges include negligence causing death and injury, both severe and minor, violations related to the Building Act, and civil liabilities.
From now on, we will no longer use the phrase “a lesson learned.” Such incidents must never happen again. Police will coordinate with district offices and relevant agencies to conduct strict inspections. All entertainment venues in Bangkok and provinces must fully comply with the Building Act.