I don't go to Patong, but is the sign always lit up at 9 am?

I think, it's on all day

What a none story.

Pictures on the site: http://www.facebook....pe=1&permPage=1

Not really hard rock, but maybe they were testing the sound systems with this..

'Smoke on the Water'?

The mind boggles.... in these days of PC and nanny-type safety policies, all these bodies which make the rules and standards (here and elsewhere) have forgotten one inexpensive/essential component during electrical installations - and this is basic LCCB's or RCCB's. Available in every electrics store in Thailand the pretty good Thai made. Safe-T-Cut

Thailand is anything but a nanny state. There are virtually no building codes in Thailand, certainly none enforced.

Nomad,

Sorry, I didn't mean here.... There are no such things as safety standards here... A generalization of the west is all... And the west's lack of electrical safety standards...

The fire was discovered by a security guard, who said he saw a spark leap from the big guitar neon sign that is known worldwide as the Hard Rock Cafe icon.

If that's true, he is the most alert security guard I've ever seen in this country. I think it's more likely a cigarette that was tossed in the wrong spot and now he's gotta cover his rear...

Maybe the spark made him wake up.