Fire In Downtown Nakhon

Meanwhile in Nakhon Si Thammarat, a raging inferno wiped out commercial buildings and homes in Muang district.

The damage might go as high as Bt20 million, police said, adding that it was believed to be the worst fire in the province in 20 years.

The blaze broke out about 5am in the community behind the Yaowarat Hotel and caused chaos among its guests as well as those staying at the nearby Bua Luang and Udom hotels.

The flames spread rapidly, turning residences and buildings in an almost two-rai area into ashes. The cause of the conflagration is being investigated by police.

Downtown blaze ravages shophouses

Most destructive fire in province in 20 years

By Nucharee Raekrun

At least 10 shophouses in downtown Muang district were ravaged in a pre-dawn blaze yesterday in what is thought to be the provinces's most destructive fire in 20 years. No injuries were reported and police are yet to determine the cause of the fire.

Muang district police chief Pol Col Yannapat Norasingh said the fire started at around 4.50am at a business area behind Yaowarat Hotel on Yommarat road in tambon Thawang.

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