The Prime Minister pointed to the brewery fire incident in Lat Phrao, affirming that the establishment will not be allowed to reopen and that the owner must pursue another profession. He ordered governors to intensify inspections and conduct thorough examinations of entertainment venues across the country, preparing to update outdated laws.
On 14 July 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul revealed plans for managing entertainment venues following the brewery fire in Lat Phrao that caused 30 deaths. He said there will be a push to study and revise zoning laws and regulations for entertainment venues entirely, to align with current social conditions and modern times. Currently, only two areas in Bangkok—Khao San Road and RCA—are correctly zoned. Other areas outside these zones must close by midnight and are prohibited from holding entertainment events. He considers some regulations unreasonable and outdated.
“I’m still puzzled about who created these laws. Music must stop by midnight; karaoke is allowed but dancing is prohibited, only sitting and listening is permitted. If restaurant guests stand up and move to the music, it becomes illegal. This is unacceptable. Times have changed, and music is the livelihood of artists,” the Prime Minister stated. He added that the rule requiring entertainment venues to be at least two kilometers from schools and temples is impractical in Bangkok, as almost everywhere is near one or the other. He assigned relevant agencies to urgently study and update the laws to cover all aspects—social, cultural, and the livelihoods of the people.
When asked by foreign media whether Thailand’s lax enforcement of entertainment venue regulations affects tourism, Anutin promptly responded, “Who says we are not strict? Officials adhere to the law and conduct annual license inspections. The repeated tragedies occur because some operators deliberately break the law to gain higher profits.”
“When officials inspect, the operators comply fully, but after inspections, they secretly break the law again. The law is clear, but choosing to risk breaking it is unsustainable. I have now ordered the governors of Bangkok and all provinces to conduct thorough and strict inspections of entertainment venues,” Anutin said.
Regarding developments in the Lat Phrao brewery case, Anutin spoke seriously about the emergency exit door being locked with two locks. He said the venue claimed it was to prevent customers from leaving without paying, a justification he found unacceptable. Investigations will proceed to prosecute the owner, manager, and operators to the fullest extent. Their business licenses will be permanently revoked. The venue will never reopen or be permitted as an entertainment venue again, and the owner must find another occupation.
When asked if he would consider resigning as Minister of Interior to take responsibility for the incident causing 30 deaths, Anutin smiled and briefly replied, “Next question. This question is unreasonable, asked to provoke emotions, and should not be asked.”