A nationwide Suan Dusit Poll has found strong public concern about fire safety at entertainment venues in Thailand, with half of respondents expressing limited confidence that authorities can genuinely raise standards.
The survey, released on 19 July 2026, questioned 1,121 people online and in person between 14 and 17 July about fires at entertainment venues.
Some 42.64% of those surveyed said they were highly concerned about safety at such premises. Meanwhile, 37.73% said they only sometimes check emergency exits or fire-prevention equipment when visiting an entertainment venue.
For foreign residents and visitors, the findings underline the value of taking a moment to locate exits and note available fire equipment when entering bars, clubs and other nightlife venues.
Calls for nationwide inspections
Respondents identified ineffective fire-prevention systems as the leading cause of fires at entertainment venues, cited by 79.05%.
A total of 80.63% said the government should urgently inspect entertainment venues nationwide. Yet 50.94% said they were rather unconvinced that the state would be able to improve venue safety standards.
Picture courtesy of SiamRath
Dr Pornphan Buathong, president of Suan Dusit Poll, said the recent tragedy had caused sadness over the losses and again prompted public questions about gaps in law enforcement.
She said it had also weakened public confidence in whether state oversight could seriously improve safety standards. Laws, she said, only have meaning when they are enforced seriously and consistently.
Enforcement must not be short-lived
Assistant Professor Sorasak Mansilp, head of the Bachelor of Laws programme at Suan Dusit University's School of Law and Politics, said the venue fire had strongly affected Thai public sentiment.
He said it exposed lax enforcement of laws covering entertainment premises, building controls and other relevant regulations, leading to extensive loss of life.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Royal Thai Police and other relevant agencies must inspect these types of premises rigorously, he said, rather than only for a short period in response to news coverage.
Sorasak added that compensation and assistance for those affected must be provided quickly. Should any officials be found to have failed in their duties, action must be taken decisively, he said.
The poll indicates that the public wants urgent nationwide inspections and more effective fire-prevention systems. Sorasak said serious enforcement by all responsible agencies and officials was essential to prevent similar events happening again.
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21 July 2026
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