Bangkok Intensifies Safety Checks on 1,100 Establishments in 60 Days

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has partnered with the Royal Thai Police to launch a joint operation aimed at elevating safety standards in entertainment venues and similar establishments across the capital. This initiative will involve inspecting approximately 1,100 locations over the next 60 days. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, alongside Deputy Commissioner-General Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabul, visited establishments in the Thonglor-Ekkamai area to emphasize the integrated efforts between the BMA, the National Police Office, and other relevant agencies. The goal is to enhance safety standards, build confidence among residents and tourists, and encourage public participation in reporting any issues through the Traffy Fondue system for swift inspection and resolution. Governor Chadchart expressed gratitude to the police and all agencies for their serious commitment to safety inspections. He highlighted that this operation involves a collaborative effort from various sectors, including public works, environmental and sanitary services, disaster prevention and mitigation, city inspectors, district offices, and police officers, to ensure standardized inspections, reduce redundancy, and avoid confusion for business operators. The inspection process has been refined by incorporating lessons learned from the brewery fire incident in Lat Phrao. A new, standardized checklist of 17 items has been developed, merging the police's 10-point fire safety checklist with BMA regulations and additional safety considerations derived from the incident's post-mortem. This comprehensive checklist covers building structure, electrical systems, fire prevention, emergency exits, interior materials, and emergency response measures. The checklist has been reviewed by experts and will be provided to operators in advance to ensure clarity on inspection criteria, minimize operational discrepancies, and collectively raise safety standards. Furthermore, the BMA mandates that operators obtain certification from engineers or specialists for critical aspects like electrical systems and building materials. This addresses risks not visible externally, such as substandard wiring or easily ignitable insulation hidden above ceilings, which have been common causes of fires. The BMA also plans to collaborate with educational institutions and professional bodies to provide expert inspections for operators facing limitations in personnel or budget, particularly for electrical system checks, a frequent cause of fires. Governor Chadchart stressed that inspections will be continuous, not a one-off event, with periodic random checks to address potential post-inspection changes, such as blocked emergency exits, malfunctioning emergency lights, or obscured exit signs, all of which compromise user safety. The BMA is also inviting the public to act as a vigilance network, reporting issues like blocked escape routes, locked emergency doors, deteriorating electrical systems, or other safety risks via the Traffy Fondue system. Over 21 reports have already been received through this channel, and authorities are prioritizing on-site inspections. Operationally, the BMA aims to inspect all 1,100+ entertainment venues and similar establishments within 60 days, prioritizing those with high risk, large customer volumes, or a history of complaints. Measures to set maximum occupancy limits in accordance with safety principles will also be reinforced to prevent overcrowding, a significant risk factor during emergencies. Deputy Commissioner-General Pol. Gen. Thatchai stated that the Lat Phrao brewery fire served as a critical lesson, underscoring the necessity of stringent safety standard inspections for service venues. The focus will be on building structures, electrical systems, fire prevention and suppression, emergency exits, signage, alarm systems, and evacuation plans, in compliance with the Service Establishment Act B.E. 2509 (1966) and its amendments. He added that the joint inspections by multiple agencies reduce redundancy and opportunities for illicit gains. The public is encouraged to report any corruption by police or BMA officials through Traffy Fondue for immediate disciplinary and legal action. Source: INN News