Bangkok: At least 27 people were killed and 63 injured, including 22 critically, after a fire tore through a crowded pub in Bangkok's Chatuchak district shortly before midnight, Thai authorities said.

According to Anadolu Agency, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene, reported that most victims died from smoke inhalation following "smoke from a circuit breaker near the stage, followed by a power outage and an explosion." The chaotic situation led to panic as the patrons attempted to escape the rapidly spreading blaze.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the fire quickly spread to the ceiling and confirmed that smoke inhalation was likely the primary cause of death. Authorities are investigating a possible obstruction of a fire exit. Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, noted that firefighters found tables and chairs blocking access within the venue, complicating rescue efforts.

Police reported that the fire was brought under control approximately two hours after it broke out. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, as stated by Thai PBS World.