79 Bangkok venues ordered to shut down in safety crackdown
Thai Police have instructed 79 entertainment venues across Bangkok to cease operations due to license and safety breaches, in the wake of a deadly pub blaze that left 35 dead.
Officials in Thailand’s capital have ordered 79 entertainment venues to shutter, after surveying 865 premises across the city as part of a broader safety campaign.
The inspections follow a deadly pub blaze in Bangkok on July 13 that killed 35 people and left dozens wounded.
The fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub is believed to have started after an overloaded electrical system sparked a short circuit. The emergency exit near the toilets was also reportedly bolted shut when the fire began.
Following the inspections, which took place from 19 to 26 July, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration split reviewed establishments into three groups – those that passed inspection, those ordered to make improvements and those ordered to halt operations.
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While 168 venues passed inspection, 618 were ordered to make improvements, with 570 in that category found to have shortcomings despite holding valid licenses.
Then, there were the 79 venues ordered to cease operations completely. Of this group, 19 were ordered to suspend live music performances as they did not hold the required licence, with another 60 temporarily shut down due to a lack of operating licences.
The aim of the campaign was to increase public confidence, and strengthen safety standards, according to City Hall.,
The inspections, conducted from July 19 to 26, covered 72 per cent of the city’s target of 1,204 establishments, Deputy Bangkok Governor Pornphrom Vikitsreth reported.
