Destry Damayanti has been nominated as the sole candidate for the job, said a presidential spokesman.

Former Thai MP Chalong Riewrang was arrested and taken to the police station, said the Nonthaburi police chief.

Thai police are seeking to charge the bar's owner with six offences, including negligence causing death, serious injury, harm and fire, as well as criminal mischief and running an entertainment venue without a licence.

But experts warn that blanket bans could backfire, arguing that stronger platform safeguards, counselling and parental involvement may be more effective.

The prime minister, who turned 79 on Monday and has been in office since 2022, has had recurrent shoulder and back problems.