A fire broke out at a Bangkok condominium, killing one resident and injuring 14 others after the emergency sprinklers reportedly malfunctioned.

Panicked guests fled as the blaze ripped through the 16th floor of the Rattanakosin Island Condominium at around 1:55 pm local time on Thursday.

Footage shows officers evacuating terrified residents and tourists as dark smoke billows out of windows.

Authorities said more than 1,000 people, including the elderly and children, were rescued. However, efforts were delayed as the fire had rendered the building elevator unusable.

Firefighters said 14 people were rushed to nearby hospitals due to smoke inhalation. A 58-year-old man later died at Siriraj Hospital.

Officials said the fire was extinguished at 3 pm.

Suriyachai Rawiwan, Director of the Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said: 'A preliminary investigation found that the fire started in a room on the 16th floor and spread, damaging the entire 60-square-meter unit.

'The exact cause is still unknown pending a detailed forensic examination of the scene.'

He added that the building's fire sprinklers failed to activate, though the fire alarm worked properly.

Phumiphat Srichart, 24, said: 'I was in my room when I suddenly heard the alarm. I was shocked and afraid and I tried to flee even though the corridor was filled with white smoke.'

Officials said residents were still barred from re-entering due to the smoke. District authorities were arranging for their temporary shelters.