Police are checking bars following a horror nightclub fire in which 16 revellers have now died.

Officers in Chonburi province are carrying out safety inspections at venues following the blaze at the Mountain B venue, seen in the video having scaffolding erected to aid the police probe.

Thirteen people trapped in the building were burned alive shortly before 1 am on August 5 while a further three have passed away in hospital. There are 16 others on ventilators in critical conditions in the hospital, amid fears the death toll could rise further.

Questions have been asked of police and local officials about how the nightclub - which was allegedly operating illegally - was able to stay open.

Investigators are probing whether there were other investors behind the club. It is common for police and local government officials to open nightlife venues to funnel dirty money - often obtained through corruption, criminality and bribes.

The owner, Pongsiri Panprasong, 27, has been arrested and charged with 'carelessness causing death' and 'setting up a place of service without permission'.

Officials around the country have now begun cracking down on bars and nightclubs, with many working illegally by paying bribes to local police and government officers.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said: 'BMA staff have been instructed to inspect entrances, exits and fire exits. They will report findings at the fifth day of every month.'

Thailand was ranked 110 out of 180 on Transparency International's 2021 Corruption Perception Index. Denmark, Finland and New Zealand were ranked joint first place while South Sudan was bottom.