Bangkok: Governor Chatchart Sittipunt has mandated rigorous inspections of establishments throughout Bangkok, emphasizing the need for monthly records of businesses operating beyond permitted hours to be submitted to the Permanent Secretary.
According to Thai News Agency, the directive comes in response to a recent devastating fire at a brewery in the Lat Phrao area, which has claimed 30 lives with three bodies still unidentified, and left 75 injured, 36 of whom have been discharged. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up a fact-finding committee to identify regulatory shortcomings and improve operational safety standards.
In light of this tragedy, there have been discussions on revising relevant laws, including the Entertainment Establishment Act and the Building Control Act. The building where the fire occurred was licensed as a restaurant, not an entertainment venue, and thus was not subject to stringent safety regulations regarding flammable materials. The BMA is now urging all district offices to conduct more proactive and stringent inspections, with revised checklists to enhance safety measures.
Governor Chatchart has also instructed districts to conduct random inspections during actual operating hours to ensure establishments comply with safety standards. This proactive approach aims to identify risks that might not be apparent during daytime inspections. The Deputy Governor, Assoc. Prof. Thawida Kamolvech, has been tasked with leveraging other legal frameworks, such as the Public Health Act and the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act, to enforce safety standards and possibly suspend or close hazardous businesses swiftly.
The BMA is also considering adjustments to zoning regulations in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. The current zoning laws categorize only three main areas for entertainment venues, resulting in many establishments registering as restaurants to circumvent stricter regulations. Governor Chatchart emphasized the need for more flexible zoning laws that can adapt to urban growth while maintaining safety standards.
Moreover, district offices are required to compile and submit information on establishments operating illegally or beyond legal hours to the BMA Permanent Secretary monthly. This data will be used to coordinate with relevant agencies for stringent legal enforcement.
Deputy Governor Thawida highlighted that routine inspections under the Public Health Act focus on hygiene and safety standards, with a structured follow-up process for any identified deficiencies. In the aftermath of the fire, the BMA is also working closely with the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to provide necessary assistance to those affected.