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I thought we’d grow old together, says band leader whose girlfriend died in Thai bar inferno
A fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in Bangkok killed 33 people, including four members of the Thai indie band Thotsakan, and left 15 others critically injured. Band leader Athipat Wichan escaped with head and arm injuries but is mourning his girlfriend, vocalist Nahathai Satjalert, saying he had expected them to grow old together. The disaster has devastated the band and raised fresh concern over safety at live music venues.
The dead band members were Nahathai, vocalist Thitiwat Kaewkanha, keyboardist Pruttipong Phutmon and drummer Nathaphat Thammanitha. The blaze broke out during a packed performance, cutting power and quickly engulfing the stage; guitarist Chanate Trasing initially mistook the smoke for stage dry ice before recognising the smell of burning plastic and fleeing. Thotsakan had 11 members at the venue, and Athipat said the group had experienced electrical problems at other venues previously, though never a fire.
In short
- Bangkok bar fire killed 33, including four Thotsakan musicians.
- Band leader mourns girlfriend and fellow members.
- Survivors describe sudden flames, smoke and power loss.
Explained simply
A devastating fire broke out at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in Bangkok during a live performance by the Thai indie band Thotsakan. The blaze erupted while the venue was packed with people watching the band perform, killing 33 people and leaving 15 others critically injured. The fire cut the power to the venue and rapidly engulfed the stage before attendees could evacuate safely.
Four members of Thotsakan died in the disaster: vocalist Nahathai Satjalert, keyboardist Pruttipong Phutmon, drummer Nathaphat Thammanitha and Thitiwat Kaewkanha. The band's leader, Athipat Wichan, was among those who escaped but suffered head and arm injuries; his girlfriend and fellow band member Nahathai was among those killed. The tragedy has devastated the band, which had 11 members present at the venue that evening.
The incident has raised serious questions about safety standards at live music venues in Thailand. Athipat has noted that the band had experienced electrical problems at other venues in the past, though never a fire, suggesting potential systemic issues with infrastructure and safety protocols at entertainment establishments.