On July 13, 2025, at the beer bar on Ladprao Road in Chatuchak District, Bangkok, Deputy Governor Thaiwut Khankaew visited the site to monitor the fire investigation and ordered relevant agencies to expedite inspections, provide assistance to affected persons, and closely track the situation to alleviate public hardship. Thaiwut reported that as of 10:20 a.m., there were 27 deaths and 71 injuries, with 22 cases in serious condition. Affected individuals can submit compensation claims according to criteria set by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration with complete documentation. The Civil Engineering Office of Chatuchak District issued a building closure order under the Building Control Act B.E. 2522, prohibiting use of the structure for 30 days from the date of the order to ensure public safety.

The article examines several highly sought-after Buddhist amulets from different temples and monks. In 2008, Wat Ban Nong Daeng in Maha Sarakham province created a half-length portrait statue of the late abbot Luang Pu Nao Yaso and a commemorative first-edition amulet featuring his image in sealed form with Buddhist mantras. A second featured piece is the "Holy Water Amulet" from Wat Pho Taram (Wat Phai Rong Wua) in Suphan Buri, created in 1970 by Bunma Bunlertwanich and distributed freely, depicting the full-seated meditation figure of Luang Pho Khom. The article also highlights Luang Pho Ruay Pasatiko, a revered abbot from Wat Takho in Ayutthaya, whose "Rich in Silver, Rich in Gold" amulets from 2013 became extremely popular, and a rare first-edition egg-shaped amulet of Phra Phanasatbodi from 1974 commemorating the construction of his reliquary in Chachoengsao province, produced in three different metals in a limited run of 15,000 pieces.

Luang Pho Chum Putthasaro of Wat Rajakham in Muang District, Ratchaburi, was a highly respected Buddhist teacher admired by Ratchaburi residents for his compassion and tireless efforts to help the suffering and heal the sick. He was born on Thursday, June 26, 1879, in Khung Nam Wan Subdistrict to parents Thoum and Lamjai Klin Thepkasem. At age nine, he was sent to study Khmer and Thai with Luang Pu To at Wat Rajakham, and at sixteen he ordained as a novice. At age twenty, he received full monastic ordination on May 1, 1898, at Wat Tha Suwan under the guidance of Phra Achan Phu, receiving the monastic name Putthasaro.

At Wat Rajakham, he studied vipassana meditation under Phra Achan Phu and Phra Achan In. In 1905, when Phra Achan Phu passed away, Luang Pho Chum was appointed abbot and undertook extensive restoration and development of the temple. He commissioned the construction of an ordination hall, teaching pavilion, bell tower, Buddha footprint replica, and notably established a Dhamma school for monks and a public school for local children called Prachaban Chum Prachanukul School. He also assisted other temples in Ratchaburi with construction projects.

Throughout his tenure, Luang Pho Chum earned appointments as abbot (1905), preceptor (1912), district sangha leader (1918), and senior monk (1922). He was skilled in traditional medicine, spell-casting, water blessing, and amulet consecration, and became renowned for his wandering pilgrimages that extended over three years at a time, sometimes reaching Myanmar. He studied extensively under Luang Pu Suk at Wat Makham Tao in Chai Nat around 1903, and later encountered General Chumphon Khet Udom Sakkdi, who visited Wat Rajakham as a fellow disciple. During his travels, he formed a close dharma friendship with Luang Pho Rung of Wat Tha Krabeua.

In his later years, as illness and age took their toll, his disciples cared for him devotedly, though his condition continued to decline. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 16, 1954, at 4:30 a.m., at the age of seventy-seven in monastic years and fifty-seven in ordination, and was cremated on March 24, 1955. He left behind many blessed amulets for his disciples and close followers, including talismanic cloth, metal cylinders, rings, and other sacred objects. Most notably, the first edition amulet coins, created in 1943, were specially commissioned for his closest disciples and relatives and remain highly sought after and cherished.

The Labor Ministry has ordered the Institute for Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (IOSHE) to urgently alert entertainment venues nationwide to check fire escape systems and fire prevention measures, to prevent further tragedies like the fire at the Ladprao beer bar.

On July 13, 2025, Dr. Nanthachai Pannasurit, director of IOSHE, expressed deep condolences to families of the deceased and injured, and confirmed that Labor Minister Julphand Amornvivatana has instructed IOSHE to accelerate active coordination with relevant agencies to promote safety knowledge and practices among business operators, especially at high-occupancy venues.

"The minister has directed IOSHE to accelerate proactive measures including safety advice, coordination with relevant agencies, and promoting business operators to verify fire suppression systems readiness to manage risks and handle emergencies effectively," Dr. Nanthachai stated.

Dr. Nanthachai noted that fires in enclosed entertainment spaces spread rapidly and cause severe losses quickly if fire alarm, suppression, smoke control, and evacuation systems lack adequate efficiency. Although the cause remains under investigation, the rapid flame spread and thick smoke indicate the critical need for comprehensive risk management including electrical systems, fuel gas systems, interior materials, fire alarms, automatic suppression systems, and functional evacuation routes.

Safety data shows most fire deaths result not from direct flame but from inhaling toxic smoke and hot gases, which can cause unconsciousness within minutes. Therefore, rapid alarm systems, immediate evacuation decisions, and adequate unobstructed escape routes are essential to reducing loss.

Dr. Nanthachai urged restaurant, entertainment, pub and bar operators nationwide to urgently inspect electrical and gas systems, fire alarm and suppression systems, and fire extinguishers; ensure adequate unobstructed escape routes; install exit signs and emergency lighting functional without power; conduct regular evacuation drills; and control occupancy according to building capacity and limits.

Public patrons should always note exit and escape route locations, evacuate immediately if fire occurs without retrieving belongings, crouch or crawl through thick smoke, and avoid confined spaces like bathrooms with no exits.

Ioshe will gather facts from this incident to develop technical recommendations and enhanced fire prevention measures for entertainment and high-occupancy venues, in coordination with relevant agencies.

Infinix has launched the HOT 70 smartphone targeting the younger generation with a "HOT-NON-STOP" concept for users who juggle multiple activities throughout the day—from studying and working to gaming, content creation, and socializing. The device combines premium design with solid performance at an accessible price starting at 4,999 baht.

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Phuket — The Governor of Phuket, Chotinarin Kerdsom, has directed sweeping safety inspections across the province’s entertainment venues, hotels, and restaurants following a deadly fire in Bangkok that claimed multiple lives. Our previous story:  Bangkok A fire ripped through the “Rong Beer Na Lad Prao” bar, restaurant, and entertainment venue near Soi Lad Phrao 1 […] Phuket Governor Orders Safety Crackdown After Bangkok Fire Tragedy -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.