Bangkok: The fire at the Lat Phrao brewery, which resulted in the loss of 33 lives, has highlighted significant issues within current zoning laws, emphasizing the need for urgent revisions to prevent future disasters. Dr. Sonthi Kochawat, an environmental expert, has called for immediate action to address these legal loopholes and lax enforcement.

According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Sonthi has identified the root of the problem in the 2002 Ministerial Regulation under the Entertainment Establishments Act, which limits Bangkok to three main zoning areas for entertainment venues. To bypass urban planning restrictions, businesses outside these zones often register as "restaurants with live music." This loophole allows them to operate under the Public Health Act of 1992, which enforces less stringent safety standards compared to the 1966 Entertainment Establishments Act. The latter mandates more rigorous safety requirements, such as non-flammable sound-absorbing materials, sprinkler systems, and appropriately calculated fire exits.

The use of flammable materials like PU foam or PVC in interior decoration further exacerbates the risk. As Dr. Sonthi explained, these materials produce highly toxic gases, such as hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides, when burned. These gases can suffocate individuals before they have a chance to escape, leading to tragic outcomes.

To address these issues and ensure public safety, Dr. Sonthi has proposed several reforms. These include redefining zoning laws to reflect current realities, expanding entertainment zones to include business districts, and implementing distance criteria to keep venues away from sensitive areas like schools and hospitals. Additionally, he suggests a "self-declaration" system where establishments hire safety consultants for inspections and government verification. Dr. Sonthi also advocates for stricter law enforcement, with inspections conducted outside regular hours and immediate penalties for violations.

Dr. Sonthi stresses that modernizing the law should not just be about revising numbers but ensuring that nighttime businesses can operate while safeguarding public safety. "We should not leave legal loopholes that become opportunities for profit at the cost of people's lives," he asserts.