A gas bag module, in particular a side gas bag module, for a vehicle occupant protection system, has a gas bag, a gas generator, a housing of which has several outflow openings which are disposed such that the gas generator is in principle thrust-neutral. Further provided is a closure element which, in a standard case of release of the gas bag module, prevents gas from flowing out, at least in one direction, and in the case of fire is at least in sections thermally weakened or destroyed, such that the gas generator blows out gas thrust-neutrally.