PATTAYA — A 28-year-old employee was killed after becoming trapped in a fire that tore through an unlicensed host bar in Pattaya early on 1 July 2026, authorities said.
The Pattaya City Land Disaster Relief Radio Center received a report of the blaze at 00:16. The fire broke out at the Catwalk entertainment venue in Soi Chalerm Phrakiat 29, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province.
Police from Pattaya City Police Station, Bang Lamung district administrative officials, Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan rescue workers and firefighters were dispatched to the scene.
The fire engulfed the pub-style host bar, sending thick smoke billowing into the air. Firefighters deployed three fire engines to contain the blaze. A private groundwater delivery truck passing nearby also joined the effort by supplying water to help extinguish the flames.
It took firefighters more than 30 minutes to bring the fire under control.
Investigators found the fire had started near the venue’s entrance. Inside, they discovered the body of Thanaphon Boonchan, 28, an employee of the bar. He was found dead beneath a table after apparently being unable to escape as the flames spread.
Somchai Nawacharoen, 63, the owner of the groundwater delivery truck, said he had been making a delivery to a nearby business when he spotted the fire and immediately reversed his vehicle to help firefighters by spraying water on the flames.
Other employees told police they received a phone call from a colleague who was inside the venue reporting the fire. They rushed to the scene, where a worker said the blaze appeared to begin near the roof before spreading toward the exit. Everyone attempted to flee, but the victim was not seen leaving and is believed to have been trapped inside.
A preliminary investigation found the entertainment venue was operating without a licence. Authorities also said the victim was unable to escape because the fire blocked the main exit, while the premises had no emergency exit.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Forensic police will conduct a detailed examination to establish the origin of the blaze.
