BANGKOK, Thailand – Bangkok authorities have ordered 56 establishments to temporarily suspend operations after citywide safety inspections found violations, as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) continues tightening safety standards following the Lat Phrao brewery fire.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on July 22 that the BMA has reviewed its inspection measures and coordinated with the Royal Thai Police and related agencies to improve safety checks at entertainment venues and similar establishments across the capital. The city has introduced a 17-point safety checklist and is using powers under the Public Health Act B.E. 2535, along with other relevant laws, to strengthen safety standards.
Bangkok has identified 1,091 establishments similar to entertainment venues that fall under its supervision. Over the past three days, officials inspected 824 locations, finding 217 that met required standards, 551 that required additional improvements, and 56 that were ordered to temporarily stop operations due to safety concerns. Chadchart said establishments with minor issues would be allowed to make corrections before reopening, while venues with serious risks would face immediate suspension. The governor said inspections would continue for the next two months, with follow-up checks planned. Operators will also be required to provide certification from engineers or specialists for areas that cannot be assessed through visual inspections, including internal electrical systems and insulation or soundproofing materials.
Following a public reporting campaign through the Traffy Fondue platform, Bangkok has received 27 complaints related to possible safety issues. Officials will investigate the reports as quickly as possible. The BMA will also invite all operators to attend meetings this weekend to explain the new safety checklist and ensure businesses understand their responsibilities in protecting customers.
The expanded inspections will not be limited to entertainment venues. They will also cover buildings classified as public assembly facilities or theatres under the law, including around 14,000 locations and boxing stadiums. These buildings will be checked for compliance with building inspection requirements, including annual inspections and major inspections every five years by independent building inspectors.
Regarding the investigation into the Lat Phrao fire, Chadchart said the Chatuchak district director had been assigned to assist another office since last Friday to ensure transparency during the investigation and prevent any impact on normal operations. A committee has also been established to investigate fire-related issues more broadly, not only the Lat Phrao incident. Chadchart stressed that the temporary reassignment does not mean any wrongdoing has been confirmed, as the investigation is still ongoing. If officials are found to have violated regulations, disciplinary action will be taken. The governor also provided an update on the alleged “fake parents” birth registration fraud case, saying an official suspected of involvement had already been removed from government service pending investigation.
He said the BMA must take the matter seriously and strictly follow regulations, while awaiting the findings of a central investigation led by the Bangkok permanent secretary. Chadchart said procedures have been strengthened after authorities learned more about the suspected fraud methods. Some district offices have introduced queue systems to prevent cases from being handled by a single official, while other offices have been instructed to review procedures for possible weaknesses. Both investigation committees have been given an initial 30-day timeframe, with extensions possible if additional time is required to ensure fairness. The governor also said a separate committee has been established to review issues involving a running track project and other matters currently under investigation.
Chadchart also commented on receiving a 2026 Outstanding Anti-Corruption Award, saying the recognition does not belong to him alone but represents the efforts of Bangkok officials, employees, and all personnel who work with transparency and commitment. He thanked the Anti-Corruption Foundation for recognizing Bangkok and pledged to continue improving transparency and good governance throughout the organization. Chadchart said there is still much work ahead, but the BMA will continue efforts to strengthen public confidence and maintain higher standards of accountability. (TNA)
