Last night, a fire broke out at a brewery in front of Lat Phrao, killing at least 27 people and injuring over 60. Governor Chadchart confirmed the venue had a valid permit, but fire exits were blocked by merchandise tables. Most victims were found in bathrooms and hallways — exits that were sealed shut. He also said smoke was the primary cause of death. PM Anutin added that many victims fled to the back and hid in the bathroom.

This is not the first time. In 2009, the Santika Pub fire killed 67 and injured 222; the venue had no entertainment license, exits were blocked, and no government officials were ever prosecuted. In 2022, the Mountain B Pub fire in Chonburi killed 26 and injured 22; the building was renovated without permits, had only one exit, and acoustic foam on the ceiling was highly flammable. No one was held responsible.

Seventeen years, three tragedies, 120 lives — the same pattern: blocked exits, flammable materials, a gap between permits and reality. Our inspection system involves the Entertainment Venue Act and Building Control Act, with agencies including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, district offices, Royal Thai Police, Ministry of Interior, and Department of Public Works. But the more agencies involved, the less anyone is truly accountable.

After the Santika fire, legal reforms emerged. The more effective oversight becomes, the fewer lives we lose.

This ‘lesson learned’ must to be the last.

Sources: Local News, BBC, CNA, The MATTER