Bangkok Beer Hall Fire Claims 27 Lives; Obstructions to Exits Suspected in Fatalities

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported to Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul that the death toll from the fire at a beer hall in the Lat Phrao district has reached 27. The Prime Minister commented that the ceiling insulation contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, to which Governor Chadchart agreed, stating that the fire spread very quickly. Governor Chadchart further elaborated in an interview that he left his residence at 5:00 AM and found 27 deceased individuals: 9 males and 18 females. There were 63 injured, with 22 in critical condition. Six of the deceased have been identified: 3 males and 3 females. The remaining bodies have been sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for identification. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up two coordination points for relatives to inquire about missing persons: one at the Phahonyothin MRT Station, Exit 4, and another at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Police General Hospital, where DNA testing will be conducted. Governor Chadchart also discussed the significant obstacles and causes of the casualties. He stated that the venue was not officially registered as an entertainment establishment but was permitted as a restaurant with musical performances. The fire originated near the stage shortly before midnight and rapidly spread to the ceiling, generating large amounts of smoke. Although firefighters from the Sutthisan station arrived within 5 minutes, the fire had already engulfed the entire area. Most victims are believed to have died from smoke inhalation, not from burns or structural collapse, as the internal structure, tables, and plastic chairs remained intact and unmelted. A major issue identified was the obstruction of the two emergency exits. One exit was blocked by tables used for selling candy, and the other by stacked beverage boxes. Several people were found unconscious in front of the left exit. Governor Chadchart added that the venue was not fully registered as an entertainment establishment as it was outside the legally designated entertainment zones (Patpong, RCA, and Silom). It was permitted as a restaurant with musical performances, similar to an entertainment venue. Regarding random inspections in Bangkok's 50 districts, Governor Chadchart mentioned that the BMA had inspected this venue in April and found it to have two emergency exits, emergency lights, and directional signs, meeting the checklist requirements. However, problems arose during actual operation, necessitating more thorough random inspections to ensure daily conditions match those during inspections. Governor Chadchart emphasized the need to consult with relevant agencies to amend the law. He stated that discussions are needed to expand or adjust the definition of 'entertainment establishment' to match changing conditions. While the existing entertainment establishment law is stringent, the zoning limitation to only three zones needs to be reviewed to ensure this stringency covers the risks of all venues. The Governor assured that operators found to be negligent or in violation of the law would face strict legal action, including consideration for closure or revocation of licenses. When asked about the owner operating in other provinces, making additions, experiencing a fire, being suspended, and then operating again under someone else's name, Governor Chadchart stated he had no information on this yet. However, he stressed that the current incident must be clearly investigated. Even with a good history, past wrongdoings cannot be overlooked. Information gathered will be used for detailed consideration. He believes the BMA's database does not contain such information, but future data integration would simplify such checks. The incident occurred on private property, not BMA property. Information source: INN News