Bangkok: The president of the Structural Engineers Association has called for immediate action to prevent recurring fires at entertainment venues, emphasizing the need to amend existing regulations and enforce stricter safety measures.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Amorn Pimanamas, the President of the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand, expressed concern over a recent fire at an entertainment venue in the Lat Phrao area. The incident bore a striking resemblance to a 2009 fire, both of which involved the use of highly flammable materials like foam and a large number of patrons. Mr. Amorn stressed the importance of appropriate fire safety calculations and the design of fire escape doors that suit the venue's space.
In light of the recent fire, it is anticipated that a thorough investigation, including forensic evidence and examinations of the electrical system, fire exits, smoke ventilation, and patron capacity, will uncover the cause of the incident. The fire has reignited discussions about the adequacy of the 2012 Ministerial Regulation on Entertainment Establishments, which primarily covers venues within designated zoning areas.
The regulation, implemented after the Santika Pub fire, has been criticized for not extending to entertainment venues outside these zones. These venues often operate under the guise of restaurants with live music, subject to less stringent rules. Mr. Amorn advocates for the expansion of the regulation to encompass all entertainment venues, regardless of location, to ensure comprehensive safety standards.
To prevent future tragedies, Mr. Amorn recommends the use of non-flammable materials, proper safety systems for electrical equipment, efficient ventilation, and strict adherence to patron capacity limits. He emphasized that it is crucial to shift from merely learning from past mistakes to actively implementing these measures, as the recurrence of such incidents is unacceptable.