BMA Enhances New Year's Safety Initiatives
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has established a control center to increase safety for New Year's festivities, urging the public to adhere to the regulations. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt explained that due to the holiday travel surge, a safety directive under the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act 2017 was necessary to address increased risks like accidents, crime, and disease spread.
The directive includes arson prevention measures, particularly in venues using fireworks. It encompasses four key components, with the lead being the formation of the Bangkok Situation Tracking Centre to oversee the safety of high-risk areas, manage traffic, scrutinize entrants at entertainment spots, and use CCTV for crowd surveillance.
The center extends its scrutiny to the storage and sale of fireworks, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Venue and event managers are mandated to inspect safety protocols, including fire prevention systems and emergency procedures, to prevent overcrowding and address hazards related to electrical safety and storage of flammable materials. Measures against drunk driving are also emphasized, with a ban on personal fireworks and sky lanterns during the celebrations.
Violators of these safety regulations could face severe penalties, including jail time up to three years, fines up to 60,000 baht, or both. Unauthorized sellers risk detention and a fine of 1,000 baht.
The center extends its scrutiny to the storage and sale of fireworks, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Venue and event managers are mandated to inspect safety protocols, including fire prevention systems and emergency procedures, to prevent overcrowding and address hazards related to electrical safety and storage of flammable materials. Measures against drunk driving are also emphasized, with a ban on personal fireworks and sky lanterns during the celebrations.
Violators of these safety regulations could face severe penalties, including jail time up to three years, fines up to 60,000 baht, or both. Unauthorized sellers risk detention and a fine of 1,000 baht.