Bangkok is intensifying inspections of entertainment venues after checks found shortcomings involving fire safety, escape routes and building materials.

Thaiwut Khankaew, deputy permanent secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), led officials from seven northern Bangkok districts to inspect three outlets in Chatuchak, Lat Phrao and Sai Mai districts.

Police and fire and rescue officers joined the inspections on Tuesday, which focused on building standards, licences and measures to protect customers and staff during emergencies.

Mr Thaiwut said the inspections were aimed at preventing incidents rather than responding after they occurred. Where breaches of the law are found, the BMA will take action, while operators will be asked to make improvements where risks exist but do not constitute legal violations.

One outlet in Chatuchak was found to have proper building arrangements and permits, as it operates within a large building with an established approval system.

The other two venues had areas requiring improvement, particularly decorative materials on signs and ceilings and fabric used around stages. Officials also stressed the need for clear fire exits, emergency routes and sufficient space for evacuation.

Mr Thaiwut identified fire prevention systems, escape routes and potentially flammable interior materials as three key areas requiring close attention.

The inspections form part of a wider BMA campaign covering more than 1,000 service and entertainment outlets across Bangkok.

Between July 19 and Aug 4, the BMA inspected 948 outlets. Of these, 209 met safety standards, including 155 with complete licences and 54 that passed after making corrections.

A further 632 outlets required improvements. Officials advised 580 to make corrections, while 52 were formally ordered to do so.

Another 107 were ordered to stop operating. Thirty were prohibited from hosting live music because they lacked the required licence, while 77 were ordered to close over licensing breaches involving music and food sales, he said.

Pornphrom Vikitsreth, Bangkok deputy governor, said the BMA prioritised preventing accidents before they happened. The campaign uses 17 safety checks covering fire prevention, hygiene and building safety.

"Our goal is not to order businesses to close, but to raise safety standards at all establishments, prevent the loss of life and property, build confidence among residents, tourists and business operators, and promote Bangkok as a city with internationally recognised safety standards," he said.

The BMA will continue inspections across all seven northern districts and work with police, health and fire and rescue teams to improve safety standards.

The heightened checks follow the July 12 fire at Na Ladprao beer hall that killed 37 people and injured 77. Police had charged owner Suwicha Salaibat with six offences including reckless arson causing death, negligence causing death, negligence causing serious injury, negligence causing physical and psychological harm, and property damage. He was also charged with operating an entertainment venue without a licence.