Debates are stirring over Thailand’s safety regulations and legal loopholes that allow some venues to avoid stricter standards, following a fire at a Bangkok music bar that killed more than 30 people and injured over 70 earlier this week. The capital is known for its vibrant nightlife, but gaps in the country’s licensing system mean many establishments operate under regulations that do not match their activities.
The fire, which broke out Sunday night at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar in northern Bangkok, resulted in at least 33 deaths and dozens of injuries, with 27 people still hospitalized as of Thursday, according to Erawan emergency services. Officials reported that most victims died from smoke inhalation, while a few succumbed to burn injuries.
The investigation into the cause of the blaze and the high casualty count is ongoing. Experts, including Amorn Pimanmas, president of the Thailand Structural Engineers Association, have cited potential factors such as overcrowding, combustible interior materials, and obstructed exits. Pimanmas stated that the tragedy could have been prevented if proper engineering principles and all relevant laws had been strictly followed.
The primary legislation governing nightlife venues in Thailand, the Entertainment Place Act, was enacted in 1966 and last updated in 2012. This update followed a 2009 New Year’s Eve fire at the Santika nightclub, which killed 67 people and injured over 200. The revised standards include requirements for fire-resistant materials, smoke ventilation systems, sprinklers, and appropriately sized fire escape routes.
However, these requirements only apply to venues licensed as entertainment establishments and operating within designated zones. Opposition lawmaker Paramait Vithayaruksun noted that many clubs and bars operate outside these three designated zones in Bangkok. He explained that venues outside these areas cannot obtain proper entertainment licenses, even if operators are willing to meet safety standards. Instead, many register as restaurants that serve alcohol and host live music, which are subject to less stringent safety regulations.
The Na Ladprao bar, where Sunday's fire occurred, was reportedly located outside Bangkok's entertainment zones and was registered as a restaurant with live music. Similar zoning restrictions for entertainment venues are in place in 55 provinces across Thailand, while 22 other provinces do not issue entertainment venue licenses at all, according to the Department of Provincial Administration.
This circumvention of the law allows businesses to avoid strict safety standards and face lighter penalties, Paramait said. Restaurants are not required to meet the same standards, particularly for soundproofing, leading some to use cheaper materials for live music performances.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul acknowledged the shortcomings of the current regulations and indicated that a review is needed. He stated that officials have been asked to study how the rules should be adjusted to reflect current societal norms, culture, customs, and traditions.
Wasawat Kitsiriteeraphak, former president of the Building Inspectors Association, emphasized that inspections should consider the actual use of a structure rather than solely its licensed classification. He urged authorities to conduct a thorough review of similar establishments based on their operations to prevent future tragedies.