Tourists Climb Down Building During Phuket Fire

A fire broke out at an eight-storey building in Patong, Kathu district, Phuket, during the early hours of 16 May, forcing tourists and residents to climb out of the building to escape. Emergency crews from Patong Municipality quickly responded and managed to bring the blaze under control, while rescuers helped people trapped on the upper floors.

Get today's headlines by email

The building, located in Patong subdistrict, housed massage shops, restaurants and accommodation units. Witnesses watched as frightened occupants attempted to climb down from upper levels while smoke spread through the property.

Police were alerted to the fire by Pol Lt Col Sida Promthong, deputy investigation inspector at Patong Police Station, who informed Pol Col Korakrit Khankhruea, superintendent of Patong Police Station. Firefighters and disaster prevention officials arrived at the scene and worked to contain the flames.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

Authorities said most of the damage was limited to kitchen equipment and property inside a restaurant on the ground floor. One female resident suffered smoke inhalation and received first aid at the scene before being transferred to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

Investigators later learned that severe storm winds and heavy rain had swept through the area shortly before the fire began. Residents reported hearing an electrical transformer explode behind the building before thick smoke rapidly spread throughout the structure and flames erupted.

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the fire. Phuket forensic officers are carrying out a detailed examination of the scene to determine whether the transformer explosion directly triggered the blaze or if other factors were involved.

The incident caused alarm among tourists and residents in the busy Patong area, which is one of Phuket’s main tourism zones. Emergency responders focused on evacuating occupants safely and preventing the fire from spreading further to nearby businesses and accommodation.

The Daily News reported that authorities are continuing their investigation and are expected to review electrical systems and damage inside the building. Further updates are likely once forensic teams complete their inspection and submit their findings.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 17 May 2026