Fire Safety Warning For Enclosed Venues in Thailand

A Thai report by The Daily News, has raised concerns about fire safety in enclosed public venues after a blaze at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao on July 12, which killed 31 people and seriously injured many others.

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The report said some victims were trapped and died in toilets after being unable to find an escape route. It argues that avoiding pubs and bars alone does not remove the risks posed by enclosed, air-conditioned premises used daily by people of all ages.

For foreigners living in or visiting Thailand, the warning is relevant well beyond nightlife. Karaoke rooms, cinemas, gyms and underground shopping areas are common parts of daily life, particularly in Bangkok and major tourist centres. Visitors may be unfamiliar with a building's layout, making it especially important to identify exits on arrival.

Four enclosed settings highlighted

The article identified coin-operated karaoke venues and music rehearsal rooms as a potential risk because soundproofing can include ordinary plastic foam rather than fire-retardant material. It said an electrical short circuit involving amplifiers or sound equipment could ignite the foam, which may melt and produce highly toxic smoke, including carbon monoxide and cyanide gases.

Cinemas and mini-theatres were also highlighted. The report described them as buildings without openings, with no external light or ventilation through windows. It said upholstered seating, fabric and thick carpets can add to a fire load, while a power failure, darkness, low-lying smoke and panic among large crowds could make escape difficult.

Indoor gyms, fitness centres and boxing camps may have thick EVA or synthetic rubber flooring designed to absorb impact. According to the report, where such material is not specially fire-resistant it can be difficult to extinguish and can produce large volumes of pungent black toxic smoke. Basement gyms were identified as a particular concern because smoke may build up in poorly ventilated areas.

The fourth category was underground shopping centres and air-conditioned underground markets. The report said narrow walkways created by sales stalls, together with accumulated flammable waste, could speed the spread of a fire and obstruct evacuation routes for children and older people.

What to check before entering

The report urges people entering enclosed venues to look for alternative exits immediately, rather than relying on lifts or the main entrance. In a fire, lifts may stop operating and main routes may be blocked by flames or crowds.

If smoke appears, it advises getting as low to the ground as possible, as smoke tends to accumulate from the ceiling downwards. It also suggests covering the mouth and nose with a damp cloth or clothing.

It specifically warns against seeking refuge in toilets. Referring to the Santika fire tragedy and the reported Lad Phrao blaze, it said deaths had been concentrated in toilets because they have no external exit and can quickly fill with toxic smoke.

The report says public concern remains over inspection standards and whether some operators cut costs on safety materials. Its central message is for customers to assess escape routes themselves before settling into an enclosed venue.

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15 July 2026