FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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More inspections of cinemas after recent fire

More inspections of cinemas after recent fire

CINEMAS across Bangkok will be subject to more frequent inspections by city officials in the wake of a large fire on Thursday at Major Cineplex Pinklao in Bang Phlat district.

“We will check basic safety standards such as danger signs, uninterrupted power supply, and the installation of fire-extinguisher cylinders,” Taiwhut Khankaew, who heads the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s building control division, said yesterday.
The blaze at Major Cineplex Pinklao, which includes a shopping zone, caused major damage to the fourth floor. Cinemas 1 to 8 on the floor were damaged but Cinemas 9 to 13 on the floor were not damaged.
After the fire, authorities cordoned off the whole shopping complex. More than 200 business owners were yesterday allowed to enter the zone to check their facilities. Among the affected owners were radio host Nana Rybena and her husband, hip hop star Prinya “Way” Intachai. The couple operate a barbershop there.
A teacher at a language institute on the first floor said the business had sustained slight damage.
“Now I am assigned to teach at another branch instead,” she said.
Taiwhut said that although Major Cineplex Pinklao had a fire-extinguishing system, fire alarms and a smoke-detection system, what started as a small fire spiralled into a big one mainly because of the many flammable materials such as carpets and rows of chairs. “Everything complies with laws,” he said.
He added: “Relevant officials along with experts will check the safety of the place before it can reopen.”
Police are determining the cause of the fire.
 

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