Thailand Orders Safety Inspections for All Public Buildings Within 30 Days
Thailand's government has ordered a nationwide safety inspection of all public buildings and service venues within 30 days, following a deadly Bangkok fire that killed multiple people on Ladprao Road.
The Ministry of Interior has launched a nationwide campaign to enhance safety standards at service establishments and public buildings. Deputy Permanent Secretary Arsa Saempantharat revealed that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul proposed to the Cabinet on July 14 that the Interior Ministry coordinate with Bangkok, the Royal Thai Police, local administrative organizations, and relevant agencies to complete comprehensive inspections within 30 days. This initiative follows a devastating fire at a service establishment on Ladprao Road in Bangkok on July 12.
The Interior Ministry has issued directives to provincial governors and Bangkok covering five key areas: the Department of Local Administration will enforce business regulations and create an inspection database; the Department of Public Works and Urban Planning will assess building structural integrity and fire prevention systems; the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation will verify fire safety equipment and evacuation plans; the Department of Local Administration Promotion will coordinate local inspections and public awareness campaigns; and all 76 provincial governors along with Bangkok and Pattaya must complete checks of all service venues, entertainment establishments, bars, restaurants with live music, and public buildings within 30 days.
Venues covered include nightclubs, pubs, bars, beer halls, restaurants with live entertainment, and any public buildings or establishments serving large numbers of people. Facilities failing to meet safety standards will be prohibited from operating, and legal action will be taken against violators without exception. The public is urged to report violations to the Dhamrong Center hotline at 1567.
