Thailand's government has ordered nationwide safety inspections of entertainment venues and public buildings after a devastating fire at a Bangkok pub killed at least 32 people and injured around 70. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced an overhaul of regulations governing permits, operating hours, and location requirements, with venues found to have serious deficiencies facing immediate closure.
The blaze erupted explosively shortly before midnight on Sunday at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao pub in the Chatuchak district. Investigators suspect an electrical short circuit in a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit ignited the fire. Police are also examining whether staff had locked emergency exits, and the death toll rose to 32 after two victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
The venue had been licensed as a restaurant but was apparently operating as an entertainment establishment, prompting scrutiny of enforcement practices.