Bangkok Fire Claims 30 Lives: Bar Lacked Emergency Exit Signs and Fire Alarms

(CNA, Bangkok, 14th – Comprehensive International Report) A neutral expert told AFP today that the beer restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand, where a recent fire claimed 30 lives, lacked essential safety facilities that could have saved lives.

According to AFP, Wasawat Kitsiriteeraphak, former president of the Building Inspectors' Association of Thailand, visited the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao beer restaurant with forensic police to investigate the fatal fire.

He later stated that the establishment lacked the necessary safety systems required for handling large crowds and live music performances.

Wasawat told AFP that evacuation routes, alarm systems, and emergency preparedness "help minimize the severity of casualties and property damage."

However, he noted that preliminary inspections revealed "no emergency exit signage, emergency lighting systems, or fire alarm devices" on site.

Wasawat, who has served as a consultant to forensic police in multiple cases, emphasized the need for a comprehensive official assessment of this incident.

Thailand has long faced concerns over health and safety regulations, particularly regarding bars and nightclubs.

In 2009, a fire at the Santika Club in Bangkok during New Year celebrations killed 67 people and injured over 200. In 2022, a fire at the Mountain B nightclub in Chonburi Province, eastern Thailand, resulted in 25 deaths.

Wasawat pointed out that Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao was registered as a restaurant but operated more like an "entertainment venue."

He noted that such situations are not uncommon among Bangkok’s bars and nightclubs, but entertainment venues are legally permitted only in designated areas such as the Royal City Avenue and Silom Road.

Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao is located in northeastern Bangkok. Ansil Samphantarat, an official from the Ministry of Interior, confirmed that the establishment was registered as a restaurant, but investigations found it was conducting business similar to an entertainment venue, including live music performances, alcohol sales, and dancing.

Bangkok Mayor Chadchart Sittipunt, who was recently re-elected last month, pledged to conduct comprehensive inspections of similar establishments and strengthen citywide enforcement. However, he also noted that current zoning regulations and legal definitions of various types of venues require revision. (Compiled by: Ho Hung-Ju) 1150714

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