Bangkok: Mr. Chaiwat Sathavorawichit, known as Dr. Joe, a former candidate for Bangkok Governor from the People's Party, has publicly addressed the recent tragic fire at an entertainment venue in the Lat Phrao area.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Joe expressed his deepest condolences for the incident that claimed at least 27 lives and injured many others. He emphasized the importance of supporting the families of the deceased and wished for a speedy recovery for those injured. Dr. Joe urged that this tragedy should not be dismissed as just another "accident," reflecting on the history of similar incidents in Thailand's entertainment venues.
Dr. Joe outlined several urgent measures necessary to prevent future tragedies. He called for rigorous inspections of safety standards across entertainment venues, restaurants, and bars in Bangkok, with a focus on flammable materials, fire exits, and alarm systems. He emphasized the need for regular random checks rather than one-time inspections.
Furthermore, Dr. Joe stressed the importance of addressing loopholes in the permit and license renewal processes, questioning why high-risk establishments are still operational. He called on the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to take responsibility for reviewing these processes.
Dr. Joe also advocated for transparency by disclosing the names of establishments failing to meet safety standards, enabling the public to make informed decisions and pressuring businesses to improve. Lastly, he demanded a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure accountability and prevent the issue from being ignored.
Dr. Joe concluded by reiterating his condolences and insisting that this loss must serve as a turning point rather than a forgotten news piece.