Death toll from Bangkok bar fire rises to 30 as police probe safety lapses

The toll from a fire that broke out at a bar in Bangkok last week has continued to rise. Authorities said the number of dead has reached 30, with officials warning the figure could climb further given the severity of some survivors' injuries.

Police are investigating whether the venue met safety standards, a factor believed to have contributed to how quickly the fire spread. The inquiry is focusing on the adequacy of emergency exits, the use of flammable materials, and whether the business held proper licensing.

Thailand's prime minister visited the site of the disaster and called on officials to carry out a swift and transparent investigation. Officials said during the visit that rescue operations had concluded, though the forensic examination continues.

Witnesses described how escape became nearly impossible once the fire broke out, with smoke rapidly filling the venue. Their accounts have heightened concerns about the building's safety infrastructure.

The incident has reignited a broader debate in Thailand over safety inspections at entertainment venues. Authorities said emergency inspections of similar establishments will be stepped up.