Body Found in Chiang Mai Fire at Abandoned Building

A fire at an abandoned building in the Arcade area of Chiang Mai late on 17 April 2026 led to the discovery of a severely burned, unidentified body. Firefighters and rescue teams responded to the blaze at around 22:00 and took some time to bring it under control. Inside the structure, they found one victim burned beyond recognition, raising questions about the cause of the fire and the circumstances of the death.

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Initial inspections revealed six car tyres placed beneath the body, an unusual detail that prompted further investigation. According to Mr Peerakarn Kaewin, a volunteer firefighter from the Chiang Mai Charity Rescue Association, crews were initially called to extinguish what was reported as a rubbish fire. While spraying water to control the flames, they discovered the body lying within the burning debris.

Police, forensic officers and a medical examiner led by Pol Col Yannaphon Phattanachai, superintendent of Mae Ping Police Station, attended the scene. The area was immediately sealed off to prevent contamination or removal of evidence. Early witness statements from three individuals suggested the deceased may have been a 54-year-old homeless man known locally as “Ad,” who regularly stayed in the abandoned building.

Witnesses reported no suspicious individuals entering or leaving the area before the fire. Authorities also found no immediate signs of a struggle or theft at the scene. However, investigators are reviewing nearby CCTV footage to determine whether any third party was involved in the incident.

Picture courtesy of Amarin

The building, once known as Space Roller, was a popular youth venue in the 1990s before being abandoned for over 20 years. It has since become a shelter for homeless individuals. In 2019, the same location was the site of a murder involving a waste collector,.

Amarin reported that the body has been sent for a full forensic autopsy to establish identity and confirm the cause of death. Officials are awaiting detailed findings from forensic teams to determine whether the fire was accidental or deliberate, and whether the death was linked to foul play.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 19 Apr 2026