Chadchart revealed that obstacles such as a candy-selling table and beverage boxes blocked the emergency exit. No emergency exit sign was found, likely destroyed by the fire. He recently learned the shop owner had a prior history of restaurant fires. He emphasized that Ladprao Beer Hall is not on State Railway land.
On 13 Jul 2026, before a Bangkok Metropolitan Council meeting at Bangkok City Hall 2, Din Daeng, Ayarawat Pattana Building, Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, gave an update on the Ladprao Beer Hall fire, which caused 27 deaths and 63 injuries.
Chadchart said that this morning, when leaving the scene around 05:30, 27 deaths were confirmed, with 6 identified—3 men and 3 women. In total, 9 men and 8 women died. Unidentified bodies remain at the Police Hospital Forensic Institute. Two service points have been set up: MRT Phahon Yothin Station, Exit 4 near Union Mall, where many relatives are searching for family members or injured victims; and at the Forensic Institute to assist with DNA testing. Two critically injured patients are on ventilators and unable to communicate.
Regarding key obstacles in the Ladprao Beer Hall fire, Chadchart explained the venue is licensed as a restaurant with live music, not an entertainment venue, and outside zoning restrictions. The fire started before midnight near the stage ceiling, spreading rapidly with heavy smoke. Sutthisan Fire Station arrived within 5 minutes but found the fire fully developed. There are two emergency exits: left near the restroom, where several unconscious people were found—some had wandered into the restroom—and right near the kitchen. Observations found obstructions blocking exits: a candy-selling table near the restroom on the left, beverage boxes on the right, and emergency exit signs likely destroyed by fire. A district director inspected in April and found no emergency lighting or exit sign issues, but during operations, clutter blocked exits. Chadchart believes the main problems were rapid fire spread from ceiling materials and blocked escape routes.
Comparing the April inspection with the actual scene Chadchart saw last night, he said emergency exit signs were visible in inspection photos but missing in person, likely burned. Further investigation will review recorded images. Regarding building structure, the fire damage was not severe; plastic tables and chairs remained intact. The greater hazard was heavy smoke causing loss of consciousness.
Asked how this incident differs from the Santika Pub fire, and about regulations requiring glow-in-the-dark or reflective exit signs, Chadchart said the April district inspection followed standards with a checklist. However, during daily operations, boxes were placed blocking exits. He stressed the need to educate operators and increase random inspections during operating hours. They will review evidence to confirm regulatory compliance. The heavy smoke and lively crowd atmosphere contributed to the tragedy. Authorities will seek cooperation from operators to strictly follow regulations and keep escape routes clear during operations.
On potential legal actions against negligent operators, Chadchart said strict law enforcement would apply, including possible closures. He noted that entertainment venue laws specify flame-retardant materials and zoning, which currently cover only three zones: Silom, RCA, and Patpong. He suggested laws should be expanded or adapted to match changing conditions because the Ladprao venue is a restaurant, not an entertainment venue. He sees no current plans to adjust zoning areas.
Regarding social media claims that the Ladprao Beer Hall operator previously ran a similar business in Yasothon Province that also burned down before reopening in Bangkok, Chadchart said he just learned of this. Ultimately, they must verify the facts at the scene, regardless of the operator's history. Any wrongdoing must be examined, including whether the business operates legally and matches official records. He will gather information carefully to make informed decisions. Bangkok's database currently lacks such details but future inspections will improve data collection. The incident site is privately leased land, not State Railway property.
Asked if Bangkok will inspect similar restaurants in all 50 districts, Chadchart replied that inspections are planned but will focus on operating hours. Inspections during quiet times may show order, but conditions change during concerts and crowded events. Future random checks during active business hours will be conducted to monitor real conditions.