Authorities working to determine if any Australians caught up in Bangkok’s Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub fire

CONTENT WARNING: DISTRESSING IMAGES AND VIDEO

Authorities are urgently working to determine if any Australians were caught up in a devastating Bangkok pub fire that killed at least 27 people and injured dozens more.

A large blaze broke out at the popular Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in the Chatuchak district around midnight on Sunday, with patrons forced to flea the establishment through a flame-enveloped front door.

Eyewitnesses said the fire started at bar’s stage and spread rapidly, with footage posted to social media showing intense flames coming through the front entrance and roof of the establishment as black smoke billowed into the sky above.

Firefighters took about an hour to bring the blaze under control.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said 63 people were injured and 22 remain in critical condition.

Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters at the scene that the official cause of the fire is still under investigation, while director of Bangkok’s disaster department Suriyachi Raviwan told the BBC that initial findings suggest that majority of the victims had died from smoke inhalation.

However, he added further investigation was needed to confirm this.

An Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson described the fire as a terrible loss of life.

“Australians will be shocked to hear of the terrible loss of life in the restaurant fire in Bangkok.

“Our sincere condolences are with all those affected.

“Australian officials are making urgent enquiries with local authorities to determine whether any Australians were affected.

“We stand ready to provide consular assistance” they said.

Any Australians in need of assistance should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135, or +61 2 6261 3305

Photos from the scene show charred tables and chairs alongside extensive damage up walls inside the pub.

Fire related tragedy isn’t uncommon in Thailand, with 14 people killed in 2022 when another bar fire broke out in a town south of Bangkok.

In 2009, 66 people died during a New Year’s Eve Celebration in a nightclub fire in the capital.