Safety proposals for bars following fire tragedies

MGR Online•General•2d ago

Reader Briefing

Safety designer Chonwat Ngamlertprasert proposes a security baseline and updated regulations for bars to prevent mass casualties from fires.

•Three major bar fires occurred on January 1, 2009, August 5, 2022, and July 12, 2026.
•Chonwat Ngamlertprasert identifies low ceilings and lack of automatic fire suppression as critical risks.
•Proposals include mandatory smoke/heat detectors, emergency flashing lights, and direct alarm links to fire stations.
•The proposal suggests mandatory weekly safety system tests before opening on Friday evenings.

•Three bar fire incidents resulted in approximately 130 deaths and over 300 injuries.
•Chonwat Ngamlertprasert states that low ceilings in some establishments prevent sprinkler installation, leading to high smoke concentrations.
•Chonwat Ngamlertprasert proposes a 'Security Baseline' for 2026 including mandatory fire detection and alarm systems.
•Chonwat Ngamlertprasert suggests using flashing emergency lights alongside audio alarms because loud music in bars often masks sirens.
•Chonwat Ngamlertprasert recommends that the state mandate minimum ceiling heights to enable sprinkler installation and increase evacuation time.
•Chonwat Ngamlertprasert proposes integrating CCTV and AI to send immediate alerts to the Rama 199 center or local fire stations.
•Chonwat Ngamlertprasert suggests local authorities implement a protocol for testing alarms and emergency lights every Friday evening.
•Chonwat Ngamlertprasert warns that equipment will not work if laws allow officials to use discretion in granting permits or ignoring regulations.

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Chonwat Ngamlertprasert

"Laws or regulations should mandate that bars must install sprinklers."

กฎหมายหรือข้อบังคับ ก็ควรบังคับให้ร้านเหล้าต้องติดสปริงเกอร์ไปเลย

Chonwat Ngamlertprasert

"What we want to increase is time... for escaping from the building."

สิ่งที่เราต้องการเพิ่มก็คือ เวลา ...ในการหนีออกมาจากตัวอาคาร

Chonwat Ngamlertprasert(ชนม์วรรธน์ งามเลิศประเสริฐ)

Managing Director of Avable Shake Co., Ltd. and a safety system consultant.

Avable Shake Co., Ltd.(บริษัท เอวาเบิลเชค จำกัด)

A business providing consultation and safety system planning.

Rama 199 Center(ศูนย์พระราม 199)

An emergency response center mentioned as a potential recipient of automated fire alarms.

Santika Pub(ซานติก้าผับ)

A venue in Thong Lo where a fire occurred on January 1, 2009.

Mountain B Pub(เมาน์เท่น บี ผับ)

A venue in Sattahip, Chonburi where a fire occurred on August 5, 2022.

Rong Beer Na Ladprao(โรงเบียร์ ณ ลาดพร้าว)

A venue in Bangkok where a fire occurred on July 12, 2026.