Governor Chadchart has ordered every district to update their restaurant information monthly and is considering legal action against restaurants operating as entertainment establishments. Deputy Governor Tawida emphasized focusing on actual activities rather than permits, stating that any risky venue will be ordered to close and make corrections due to safety concerns.
On 14 July 2026, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt of Bangkok spoke to the media after a meeting of Bangkok agency heads. He reported an additional three deaths from the brewery fire in Ladprao, bringing the total fatalities to 30, with three victims still unidentified. There are 76 injured persons, of whom 36 have been discharged. He has ordered the formation of a fact-finding committee to identify deficiencies and improve related regulations within Bangkok authorities.
Governor Chadchart stated that going forward, Bangkok and the Ministry of Interior will integrate enforcement of entertainment venue laws and zoning regulations. Currently, the main law applied is the building control law, but the affected building does not qualify as an entertainment venue and is treated as a restaurant. New orders require proactive inspections across all areas, updating checklists to exceed current legal requirements—for example, regarding fire-retardant materials, which currently only apply to entertainment venues, not restaurants.
He also instructed all district directors to conduct surprise on-site inspections to prevent venues from preparing in advance, as some restaurants appear different during inspections compared to regular operation. Additionally, emergency equipment such as emergency lights must be tested to ensure functionality during emergencies.
Governor Chadchart added that there is a possibility of enforcing laws against restaurants that resemble entertainment establishments, although legal procedures must be followed. Meanwhile, a uniform standard will be used for inspections. Other authorities, such as public health and disaster laws, will be used to control risky venues. If a venue poses a danger, immediate closure for improvements will be ordered. Further discussions with the Ministry of Interior regarding zoning will aim to strengthen law enforcement.
He further stated that they will seek legal authority to shut down restaurants operating similarly to entertainment venues if risks are found. Coordination with police will be increased to strictly enforce closing times and crack down on gray-market and foreign-run businesses beyond their current enforcement powers. District directors will compile intelligence and submit it monthly to the Bangkok Permanent Secretary for ongoing updates.
Governor Chadchart emphasized that fire exits should not be locked. During his visits, he found two locks on an emergency exit door, but a candy seller was able to escape through it, so it is unclear whether the locks were released by someone. Obstructions near the fire exit door were also discovered.
Regarding patients still hospitalized, he reassured the public that those treated in Bangkok public hospitals will have their medical expenses covered by the city. For patients in private hospitals, Bangkok will review how to provide support.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Tawida Kamollawet, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, reported that inspections by Chatuchak District Office in December 2025 and April 2026 showed clear photographic evidence that emergency exits and exit signs were in place, with demonstrations of emergency lighting and glow-in-the-dark directional arrows. She noted a consultation with legal advisors is ongoing about releasing these images publicly.
Tawida added that during inspections, establishments tend to present themselves well, but during actual operation, additional tables or merchandise blocking pathways may be added. Therefore, the governor has ordered random inspections. She proposed that instead of relying solely on licenses to determine venue type, inspections should focus on actual activities, comparing them to permits and zoning regulations, which has been the common oversight practice.
“From now on, Bangkok will inspect based on activities regardless of business permits. If a venue is in a zoning area, it will be subject to the highest regulatory standards. There are 18 fire safety regulations to comply with; failure to do so will result in orders to stop operations or close for corrections with stricter enforcement,” she said.
Tawida illustrated that venues must comply with regulations such as ventilation requirements, the number of exits, presence of guides during emergencies, emergency response procedures, and evacuation plans. These plans must be submitted to Bangkok authorities. Inspections will emphasize actual operations, such as the type of food served and storage methods complying with the Public Health Act of 1992. The highest standards will be applied, with enforcement powers extending to closure orders.
She said she is particularly interested in the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2007, which provides different authorities. If venues frequently experience fires, the highest measures recommended by Bangkok should be applied to align operations and law enforcement. This approach mirrors existing enforcement of entertainment venue laws in zoning areas concerning noise, decoration materials, and ventilation systems. Implementing these measures could reduce nuisances regardless of zoning status. Although legal revisions on zoning may take time, Governor Chadchart plans to work with the Ministry of Interior to expedite progress, with the extent of legal changes to be monitored.