PATTAYA, Thailand – The Pattaya Nightlife Business Association has expressed condolences to the victims and families affected by the deadly Lat Phrao beerhouse fire, while urging entertainment venue operators and authorities to strengthen safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
Lisa Hamilton, PNBA president, said the fire, which caused numerous deaths and injuries, was a tragedy that should never have happened. On behalf of the association, she expressed sympathy to everyone affected and to families who lost loved ones in the incident.
Hamilton said safety for tourists, customers, and staff has always been a priority for Pattaya’s nightlife industry. The association regularly discusses safety issues with its members and encourages operators to maintain proper safety standards within their venues. She said members have cooperated in improving safety practices and understand the importance of protecting customers and employees. “Incidents involving fires at entertainment venues that result in loss of life should never happen again,” Hamilton said.
She called on government agencies to take stronger action against operators who ignore safety requirements, particularly venues that lack sufficient emergency exits or proper evacuation plans.
“Without adequate fire exits and emergency preparations, any incident can lead to a serious loss of life,” she warned. The comments came after the Lat Phrao beerhouse fire in Bangkok, which killed 27 people and injured dozens, raising renewed concerns about fire safety standards, emergency access, and enforcement at entertainment venues nationwide. Pattaya’s nightlife industry has previously faced increased attention over safety, licensing, and emergency preparedness, with operators emphasizing the need for cooperation between businesses and authorities to ensure safer environments for visitors and workers.
