Bangkok Governor Orders Fire Safety Inspections Across Hotels and Entertainment Venues

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders

 

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has urged citizens to prioritise locating fire escape routes while celebrating the New Year and has ordered all districts to conduct inspections of hotels and entertainment venues following a deadly hotel fire on Tanin Road in Phra Nakhon district.

 

The fire, which broke out on the fifth floor of The Amber Hotel at 21:20 on December 29, resulted in three fatalities and seven injuries. Four individuals suffered smoke inhalation and were rushed to hospital. Emergency teams used three aerial ladders to rescue 34 people who had fled to the rooftop. The hotel housed a total of 75 guests at the time.

 

Governor Chadchart and Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon visited the site on December 30 to assess the situation. He revealed that The Amber Hotel spans 1,515 square metres and had submitted proper building permits, though further investigations are required to verify compliance.

 

“Initial inspections show the hotel has fire escape staircases, but we need to ensure they meet all legal requirements. There were fire alarm systems, but it’s unclear if they functioned properly during the incident. Escape routes must be accessible, clearly marked, and equipped with functional fire extinguishers,” said Chadchart.

 

The Governor instructed all district offices to intensify checks on fire safety measures in hotels and entertainment venues, emphasising that small hotels, those with fewer than 80 rooms, can pose significant risks as they are often excluded from stricter fire safety regulations introduced in 2023 for larger buildings.

 

The investigation, which includes structural assessments by the Department of Public Works and experts from the Engineering Institute of Thailand, is underway. Preliminary reports suggest the building did not sustain structural damage, but the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined.

 

Chadchart highlighted the need to enforce fire safety regulations more rigorously and to address gaps in existing laws, particularly for smaller establishments. “We must learn from incidents like this to improve regulations, including the control of toxic materials in buildings,” he said.

 

To restore public confidence, the Governor stressed two priorities: ensuring thorough inspections of fire safety systems and providing full support to victims. “Even though it’s addressing the problem after the fact, we are doing our best to help those affected,” he stated.

 

Chadchart also noted that intoxicated tourists may face difficulties evacuating during emergencies, which highlights the need for vigilance in entertainment venues. He advised hotel operators to ensure fire escape routes are unobstructed and that staff are adequately trained in emergency procedures.

 

He urged the public to be proactive during the festive season: “Before you stay anywhere, check the fire escape routes. If you encounter a fire, always call 199 first to alert the fire department before attempting to extinguish the flames yourself. Early notification gives responders a better chance to contain the fire quickly.”

 

Related Article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1347470-hotel-fire-near-khao-san-road-leaves-3-dead-many-rescued-from-roof/

 

-- 2024-12-31

 

[ChrisY1]

And again, the usual Fire Safety checks to be conducted......these are never ongoing, but just wait till the next time.

 

[Hawaiian]

1 hour ago, ChrisY1 said:

And again, the usual Fire Safety checks to be conducted......these are never ongoing, but just wait till the next time.

 

At least he is not denying there may have been insufficient enforcement of existing rules and regulations.  Most bureaucrats and politicians would make all kinds of excuses to save face.  How much follow up there is remains to be seen.  I am not familiar with the gentlemen and hopes he actually does something and not kick the can down the road.

[Watawattana]

Horse.  Door. Bolted.  I also have 100% confidence that fire safety checks will now be carried out and enforcement actions taken.  With regular checks and prison sentences for those who won't comply.

[MikeandDow]

Thailand safety is a Joke!!!! its allways after the fact, will all be forgotten in 2 weeks back to normal, life is cheap !!

even killing of kids in a bus fire can not get the Thais to change safety for the better, all forgotten

[petedk]

6 hours ago, Hawaiian said:

At least he is not denying there may have been insufficient enforcement of existing rules and regulations.  Most bureaucrats and politicians would make all kinds of excuses to save face.  How much follow up there is remains to be seen.  I am not familiar with the gentlemen and hopes he actually does something and not kick the can down the road.

 

He is all mouth and no action. We have first hand experience, which I won't mention here.

[thesetat]

Typical Thailand. Something bad happens and they immediately say all need to be checked immediately. What ever happened to regular fire safety checks annually or semiannually. After the news settles down and a few checks are done. All will be forgotten and the normal routines of no checks or bribing someone to pass a check will begin again until the next major incident. 

 

[scottiejohn]

8 minutes ago, thesetat said:

Typical Thailand. Something bad happens and they immediately say all need to be checked immediately.

NOT just Thailand!

Happens in most countries when a tragedy occurs. 

The politicians feel that they have to promise something!

[ricklev]

I was at the new One Bangkok mall yesterday.  It was packed and the layout is very confusing with several buildings interconnected in, for me, odd ways and escalators seemingly randomly placed.  I am sure it would all become clear after a couple of visits.

 

Anyway, I started looking around for fire exits and signage.  There were a few signs and maybe it met some fire code, but I could imagine the panic and confusion in fire as people desperately tried to figure out how to get down and out.