Chiang Mai Orders Urgent Safety Inspections at 2,800 Venues
Following Bangkok's deadly Ladprao beer bar fire, Chiang Mai has ordered urgent safety inspections at 2,800 venues, focusing on fire prevention systems, emergency exits, and structural integrity across the province.
Chiang Mai governor Ratthapol Naradisorn chaired a committee meeting on July 14, 2025, to establish enhanced safety measures for all service establishments and similar businesses throughout the province. The meeting was convened following the Ladprao beer bar fire in Bangkok on July 12, 2025, which killed at least 29 people and prompted nationwide attention to venue safety standards.
According to a survey, Chiang Mai has 23 legally licensed service establishments spread across four districts: Chiang Mai city (20), San Sai (1), Fang (1), and Chiang Dao (1). Additionally, 2,810 businesses operate with characteristics similar to service establishments, mostly concentrated in Chiang Mai city. The meeting focused on coordinated efforts across all agencies to inspect building structures, fire prevention systems, emergency exits, licensing, and strict law enforcement. Chiang Mai Municipality has already notified over 70 major establishments to conduct safety reviews, with plans to expand inspections to more than 300 additional venues. All district offices have been ordered to conduct strict inspections of establishments under their jurisdiction.
The province is establishing a task force to assess standards at all businesses province-wide, prioritizing high-risk venues such as large establishments with high customer traffic in congested areas. Any deficiencies will result in recommendations with a set timeline for improvements before final certification. The governor emphasized that public and tourist safety is the highest priority, and the province will intensify monitoring and enforcement to prevent similar incidents and build public confidence.
