City officials will inspect about 1,100 entertainment venues in the capital over the next 60 days to ensure they comply with public safety regulations, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said.
He was speaking after police and city officials inspected venues on Thonglor and Ekamai roads on Sunday night.
He said the checks would start with premises considered to be at high risk, that serve crowds of customers, or already face safety complaints.
Officials would set a limit on the number of customers each place could safely accommodate, to prevent future overcrowding, in addition to enforcing other safety requirements, he said.
Officials investigating the deadly fire at Rong Beer Na Ladprao beer hall on July 12 had compiled a fresh list of safety standards for entertainment places and the likes.
The safety requirements relate to the building’s structure, electrical systems, fire-prevention systems, fire exits and decorative materials used, and emergency response measures.
The list would be delivered to business operators so they could make any and all necessary changes to meet safety requirements.
“Checks will be done regularly because some places may make changes after being checked the first time. Fire exits may have been blocked, emergency lighting broken, or fire exit signs since obscured. This affects the safety of their customers,” Mr Chadchart said.
Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelabut, who took part in the inspections on Sunday night, said the fire at Rong Beer Na Ladprao showed that joint inspections were necessary.
“When officials from many organisations make the checks together, duplications and opportunities for bribe-taking are reduced,” he said.
Watthana district chief Pimjutha Sakunsitthada said some entertainment places must have wider fire exits and smoke control doors. She ordered the temporary closure of any venues where many faults were found, until they were brought up to standard.