Thailand announces comprehensive review of entertainment venues after Bangkok fire kills 30

Course of the fire and suspected cause

According to initial findings, the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit in an air conditioning unit above the ceiling. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, however. According to authorities, the flames spread rapidly because no fire-retardant materials had been used in the building or its interior fittings. Investigators suspect that dense smoke and the power outage disoriented those inside.

More than two dozen of the dead were recovered during the night. In total, 30 people died; a further around 70 were injured, more than 20 of them seriously. Some of the injured later succumbed to their injuries. Not all of the victims have yet been identified, as the "Bangkok Post" reported, citing the city administration.

Blocked escape routes and delayed evacuation

According to police, the establishment did have two entrances at the front and two exits at the rear. Numerous patrons fled to the rear of the building, near the toilets, but found no exit there. According to Thailand's Interior Ministry, an escape route at the back of the establishment was blocked by a sweets stall. Another had no door handle and was additionally blocked by shelves, leaving only a narrow passage, the "Bangkok Post" quoted police chief Kittharath Punpetch as saying.

A further emergency exit was marked with a sign reading "Do not open (staff only)," which apparently caused further confusion for fleeing patrons. Police are also investigating reports that staff locked exits to prevent patrons from leaving the establishment without paying their bills. This has not been confirmed so far, however.

Focus on the pub's licensing status

Authorities are also examining whether the establishment was lawfully operated as an entertainment venue at all. Initial findings indicate that only a licence as a restaurant with live music had been issued. Investigators are also examining whether unauthorised conversions were carried out and whether shortcomings in permits or inspections contributed to the disaster. Investigators are likewise examining whether this classification was used to circumvent stricter permitting and safety requirements.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that laws governing licensing, opening hours, and location requirements for entertainment venues would be comprehensively reviewed. "Many of the rules currently in force are outdated," the "Bangkok Post" quoted the prime minister as saying. Anutin also stressed that many problems did not stem from inadequate laws, but because operators ignored regulations in pursuit of higher profits.

Political response and announced reforms

The government has also ordered nationwide inspections of entertainment venues and public buildings. Within 30 days, agencies under the Interior Ministry are to review fire protection systems, emergency exits, permitted occupancy levels, and compliance with safety regulations. Establishments with significant deficiencies are to be temporarily closed until the issues are remedied.

According to investigators, criminal proceedings may be initiated against the operator and his business partners. Bangkok, one of the world's most-visited cities and known as a party metropolis, has experienced several serious incidents in the past, including the fire on the night leading into Monday. Investigations into the cause, responsibilities, and possible consequences are ongoing.