BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered a review of Thailand’s entertainment venue zoning and licensing laws following the deadly Bangkok beer hall fire, saying regulations should better reflect modern society while insisting that the tragedy resulted from deliberate violations of existing rules rather than a lack of enforcement. Speaking at Government House, Anutin said relevant agencies will study possible amendments to zoning laws governing entertainment venues, particularly in Bangkok, where only Khao San Road and RCA are officially designated entertainment zones. He questioned several long-standing regulations, including restrictions that prohibit live music after midnight while allowing karaoke to continue, describing some provisions as outdated and difficult to justify in today’s social and economic environment.
The Prime Minister also said current zoning rules, including distance requirements from schools and temples, may need to be reconsidered because they are increasingly impractical in densely populated urban areas. Despite the planned review, Anutin stressed that authorities have consistently inspected entertainment venues and that repeated tragedies occur because some operators knowingly violate safety regulations in pursuit of higher profits. He said venue licences are inspected regularly and warned operators that those found breaking the law would face severe consequences.
Referring to the beer hall destroyed in the July 12 fire, which claimed 30 lives, Anutin said the venue’s licence would be revoked permanently and it would never be allowed to reopen as an entertainment venue. He also criticized reports that emergency exits had been locked to prevent customers from leaving without paying, calling the practice unacceptable and saying owners, managers and operators responsible would face prosecution. Anutin added that governors nationwide have already been instructed to conduct comprehensive inspections of entertainment venues to ensure compliance with fire safety and licensing regulations.
