The deadly Bangkok bar fire that killed 30 people has exposed serious concerns over safety standards at entertainment venues in Thailand, with an independent building safety expert saying the venue lacked basic emergency systems that could have helped reduce the loss of life.
Wasawat Kitsiriteeraphak, a former president of Thailand’s Building Inspector Association, inspected the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao restaurant and bar in Bangkok alongside forensic police following Sunday’s devastating blaze.
After his preliminary assessment, Wasawat said the venue appeared to be missing essential safety measures expected in establishments that host large crowds and live entertainment.
He told AFP that emergency escape routes, fire alarm systems and proper preparedness procedures are critical in reducing casualties during a fire emergency.
However, during his inspection, he said he found no visible emergency exit signs, emergency lighting systems or fire alarm devices inside the venue.
“Fire escape routes, alarm systems and emergency preparedness can help minimise the severity of potential loss of life and property,” Wasawat said.
The expert stressed that a full investigation by government authorities would be required before final conclusions could be reached. He noted that his assessment was only preliminary but warned that the absence of basic safety equipment raised significant concerns.
The tragedy has renewed long-standing questions about fire safety enforcement in Thailand’s nightlife industry, where previous deadly incidents have also highlighted weaknesses in regulation and compliance.
In 2009, a fire at Bangkok’s Santika nightclub during New Year celebrations killed 67 people and injured more than 200 others. The incident became one of Thailand’s worst nightclub disasters and prompted calls for stronger safety regulations.
More than a decade later, another nightclub fire struck in 2022 when a blaze at the Mountain B nightclub in Chonburi province killed 25 people.
“It keeps happening… since Santika, and now this incident again. It’s a huge loss,” said Jittiya Phaiklaw, whose niece was among those killed in Sunday’s fire.
The repeated disasters have increased pressure on authorities to ensure entertainment venues comply with safety requirements and operate under the correct legal classifications.
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According to Wasawat, Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao was licensed as a restaurant, but its activities appeared closer to those of an entertainment venue, including live music performances, alcohol sales and dancing.
He said such situations were not unusual in Bangkok, where officially designated entertainment zones remain limited mainly to areas such as Royal City Avenue (RCA) and Silom.
The venue, located in northeastern Bangkok, operated outside those designated areas.
Interior ministry official Ansit Samphantarat confirmed that authorities found the establishment was registered as a restaurant but was conducting activities associated with entertainment venues.
“If a venue has these components but is not registered as an entertainment venue, that is considered a violation,” Ansit said.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who was recently elected for a second term, announced plans to inspect similar establishments across the city and strengthen enforcement of safety regulations.
However, he also said existing zoning rules and legal definitions separating restaurants, bars and entertainment venues required review.
The issue of classification has been a recurring challenge for regulators, as some businesses operate with restaurant licences while offering services and entertainment typically associated with nightclubs.
Wasawat called for a nationwide review of building safety standards and stronger enforcement to prevent future tragedies.
He urged authorities to conduct inspections across Thailand and ensure that building regulations, fire prevention systems and emergency procedures are properly implemented.
The Bangkok bar fire has once again placed public safety at the centre of debate in Thailand, with families of victims demanding accountability and officials facing pressure to ensure that similar disasters do not happen again.