Phuket governor orders province-wide safety inspections after deadly Bangkok fire
Phuket’s governor has ordered inspections of entertainment venues, hotels and restaurants across the island after a Bangkok fire killed 27 people and injured 63.
Phuket Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom has ordered safety inspections across the province’s entertainment venues, hotels and restaurants after a fire in Bangkok killed at least 27 people and injured 63 others.
At a press briefing at Phuket Royal City Hotel, Chotinarin said Phuket, as an international tourism hub, must ensure every building and establishment strictly complies with safety laws to protect residents and visitors.
The order directs all 19 local administrative organizations in Phuket to work with relevant agencies on rigorous inspections of establishments under their jurisdiction. The inspections will focus on building compliance with national standards.
Authorities will also conduct emergency drills and simulations to strengthen the capacity of local officials and first responders.
The move follows a fire at the Rong Beer Na Lad Prao bar, restaurant and entertainment venue near Soi Lad Phrao 1 in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district late on July 12, 2026. Thai authorities and media reports said the blaze broke out around 11:57 p.m. and raised serious concerns about fire exits, building decorations and licensing compliance.
Phuket currently has 125 licensed entertainment venues under the Service Establishment Act of 1966. Of those, 107 are in designated zoning areas and 18 are outside them, including 17 hotel-based venues.
As of July, 122 licenses had been approved, covering 96% of all establishments. The remaining three are pending because of incomplete documentation or ongoing building control inspections.
Officials have told operators to quickly address unresolved issues, including facility expansions or ownership changes, so licensing decisions can meet strict safety and legal standards.
