The Interior Ministry has initiated a nationwide inspection of entertainment venues and public buildings, instructing local authorities to complete their checks within 30 days.
Facilities identified as unsafe will not be allowed to reopen, and violators will face legal action, said Unsit Sampuntharat, permanent secretary for the ministry.
The inspections are a response to the tragic fire at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao pub in Chatuchak district of Bangkok on July 12, in which 33 people died.
Inspections will be carried out in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, police, local administrative organisations and other agencies.
“The government aims to enhance public confidence in safety standards for both residents and tourists,” Mr Unsit said.
The ministry has instructed all provinces, as well as municipal authorities in Bangkok and Pattaya, to tighten safety standards at entertainment venues and other places that attract large crowds.
The Department of Provincial Administration has been tasked with ensuring that venues comply with the law, compiling inspection records, and strictly enforcing entertainment venue regulations. “Businesses found violating regulations will face immediate legal action,” Mr Unsit said.
The Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning will inspect building structures, fire prevention systems, emergency exits, occupancy limits and engineering standards, with specialised engineers assigned to assist in provincial inspections.
Additionally, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation will examine firefighting equipment, evacuation plans and fire protection systems. It will also conduct joint inspections and emergency response drills with local authorities.
The Department of Local Administration is responsible for coordinating with provincial agencies to inspect public buildings and to educate business operators and the public about safety requirements.
Deficiencies in buildings will be closely monitored, and officials have been instructed to ensure that emergency exits remain unobstructed.
Mr Unsit also encouraged the public to report any unsafe venues, restaurants or public buildings through the Damrongdhama Centre hotline at 1567 or to local authorities.
As of Friday, the Chatuchak District Office confirmed that 33 people had died in the Rong Beer Ladprao fire, with all victims identified.
A total of 71 individuals were injured, including 14 who sustained serious injuries and nine who were moderately injured. Forty-eight people with minor injuries have since been discharged from the hospital.
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