Pathum Thani province, together with police and relevant agencies, inspected entertainment venues including bars, pubs, and nightclubs, emphasizing continuous checks of safety equipment, clear fire exits, and conducting fire and evacuation drills.
At 22:00 on 13 July 2026, Pol. Maj. Gen. Peeraphon Chotikasathien, Chief of Pathum Thani Provincial Police, Pol. Col. Wisanu Rak Phrommet, Deputy Chief, Pol. Col. Harit Kamchumphon, Head of Investigations, alongside police officers, Lt. Col. Sermwit Sombat, Pathum Thani Provincial Prevention Officer, Mr. Rueangrit Maireuangngam, Head of Building Control Division, Rangsit Municipality, with officials from Pathum Thani Provincial and Thanyaburi District Administration, and Rangsit Municipality’s Department of Public Works and Town Planning, inspected the Khlong Pleng 1 and Godang Rangsit bars in Thanyaburi District, known popular nightlife spots in the Rangsit area. They conducted thorough checks of fire exit doors and the electrical control systems inside the venues.
The inspection at Khlong Pleng 1 found the venue decorated with wood and concrete walls. Fire exits included two doors at the front, one door in the musicians’ dressing room beside the stage, and two doors in the kitchen area. Emergency lights were clearly illuminated and fire extinguishers were placed throughout the venue. Ms. Lamai Thongbu, manager of Khlong Pleng 1, held a meeting with all staff to clearly explain fire exit points and fire extinguisher locations. She emphasized that every employee must carry a flashlight, a policy implemented after the tragic Lat Phrao fire. Staff are tasked with monitoring safety and rehearsing evacuation plans to ensure they can safely guide customers out in an emergency.
Officials then inspected Godang Rangsit bar, where manager Mr. Seksit Lawiroj explained the fire exit plans and electrical systems. The venue is open-style with glass walls that can open or close around the perimeter. Fire exits include one door beside the stage near the counter and another at the rear. The front and side entrances each have two access doors, and the glass walls can serve as emergency exits if needed. Officials advised the venue to improve the size of fire exit signs, which were currently small, and to continuously check electrical systems. They noted plastic decorations on the ceiling but confirmed the ceiling material is injected foam, not the easily flammable acoustic foam.
Pol. Col. Wisanu Rak Phrommet, Deputy Chief of Pathum Thani Provincial Police, disclosed that a bar fire occurred in the province two to three months ago shortly after patrons left the venue. Fortunately, the incident happened when no customers were inside, so there were no injuries or fatalities. The cause was determined to be an electrical short circuit at the Zodiac bar, which is now closed for renovations. Following the Lat Phrao Brewery fire, provincial authorities and municipal planners have issued strict orders for all bars to rigorously manage fire exit usage and initial firefighting equipment. Continuous inspections are mandated to raise awareness and ensure safety for nightlife patrons. Venues are also required to conduct regular fire evacuation drills so staff know how to respond and lead customers to safety in case of fire.
Mr. Rueangrit Maireuangngam, Head of Building Control at Rangsit Municipality, advised on emergency lighting checks, emphasizing that emergency lights must function during total power outages. He also recommended adding glow-in-the-dark stickers to mark fire extinguisher locations and fire exit routes, and urged regular inspections of the building's electrical systems to maintain safety.
Visitors to the bars expressed shared concerns about past fire incidents, saying they now choose seats near doors or fire exits and prefer open-style venues where they can safely enjoy drinks and music. They urged bars to enforce strict safety measures and systems to prevent severe incidents. They noted that as time passes, people tend to forget and neglect safety vigilance, so ongoing strict enforcement is essential.