BANGKOK, Thailand – Three Man Down vocalist Kit Jiraphatthanawong has spoken out on behalf of musicians and entertainment workers, urging nightclub owners and event organizers to put safety ahead of convenience after a deadly fire at a Lat Phrao beerhouse killed 27 people and injured dozens, July 13.
Kit, widely known as “Kit Three Man Down,” said artists and production crews have repeatedly raised concerns about dangerous conditions at entertainment venues, but their warnings have often been ignored or dismissed as being overly demanding or lacking “spirit.” He said performers who work in nightlife venues and festivals regularly encounter risks that require urgent attention, including missing or inadequate fire exits, electrical hazards, unsafe stage structures, poor ventilation, and dangerous special effects. Kit also highlighted wider security concerns, including incidents involving weapons and violence at entertainment venues, warning that the safety of artists, staff, and audiences must be treated as a priority.
Other issues he raised included the placement and ventilation of kitchens, the use of smoke and fireworks effects, crowd management, and situations where performers face pressure to continue shows despite unsafe conditions such as heavy rain or other hazards. “Safety issues have been communicated for a long time, but they often do not lead to change,” Kit said, explaining that musicians and workers sometimes face criticism when they speak up about problems. He said the Lat Phrao fire should serve as a turning point for Thailand’s entertainment industry, with venue operators, organizers, and authorities encouraged to listen to those working on the front lines.
The singer expressed his condolences to the victims of the tragedy, including members of the band Thotsakan, who were reportedly among those affected by the blaze. Kit called for a stronger safety culture at entertainment venues, saying that protecting lives must come before the pressure to continue performances or maintain the atmosphere of a show. “Please take safety more seriously,” he urged, asking owners and organizers to listen openly to concerns before another tragedy occurs.
