July 6, in Pho Alley Community, Yaowarat Road, Samphanthawong Subdistrict, a large fire effected many buildings, including 2 hotels, where some guests were trapped inside

 

Timeline reported by Thai media.

 

At 20:42, the Rama 199 radio center received a report via the 199 hotline about a fire in the Pho Alley community on Yaowarat Road, Samphanthawong Subdistrict. Fire and rescue teams from Suan Mali, Phu Khao Thong, and Banthat Thong stations were dispatched to the scene.

 

Firefighters from Bang Rak station arrived at the scene, which consisted of several interconnected wooden houses. The fire was actively burning, and crews began using water hose-lines to combat the flames.
  
21:01: The fire had engulfed approximately four units. The electricity was cut off for safety. More support arrived from Khlong Toei and Bangkapi fire stations. Despite their efforts, the fire continued to spread. A total of 11 fire stations and 25 fire trucks were on site.
  
21:39:Rescue teams entered the New Empire Hotel to assist trapped individuals, seen at windows on the 6th floor.
  
21:50:The fire spread to adjacent buildings, including a six-story and an eight-story commercial building. Two further trapped individuals were found and rescued, from the hotel. Floors 5, 6, and 7 of the New Empire Hotel were checked, with no other individuals found.
  
22:14: Fire was visible on floors 5 and 6 of the New Empire Hotel.
  
22:20: Seventeen fire stations, 40 fire trucks, and the USAR team from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (Lad Yao and Rat Burana fire stations) supporting the operation.
  
22:28: The fire at the Pho Place Hotel was contained.
  
22:30: The fire in the wooden houses was under control, but flames persisted on the fourth and fifth floors of a commercial building behind the community.
  
23:01: Flames persisted in the commercial building at the front of the community and behind the New Empire Hotel. The spread to adjacent buildings was contained.
  
23:16 The fire was brought under control, and further spread was prevented.
  
23:37:The fire was completely extinguished. 
 

https://workpointnews.com/around/news/NUWH3UK

 

https://workpointnews.com/search/NBL6XXJ

 

The fire also spread close to Thian Fah Hospital. An order has been issued to evacuate more than 30 patients for their safety to a nearby temple.

 

Video showing the fire development and the difficult access down narrow streets.

 

Bangkok Fire Service drone image showing the area affected.

 

That's one heck of a fire. The report does not mention injuries.

Hopefully everyone is safe and well.

oh dear '    terrible tragic event ....  so sad for the tenants.  

 

I hope they can find the courage and strength to rebuild from this .... it's very sad when you see afire destroy their homes.

 

are donations needed.

Great information and reporting!

Thank you @Georgealbert

Video from responders in initial stages trying to stop the fire spreading.

 

 

The problem being when a fire breaks out down small alley's or soi's ...  fire trucks cannot fit and many of the houses and shops are made of old dry wood and they go up in flames like match sticks ..... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

That's one heck of a fire. The report does not mention injuries.

Hopefully everyone is safe and well.

The Bangkok Post reports that there were about 30 injured people. Most of them were senior citizens and suffered from smoke inhalation.
 

Update in Thai media.

The fire caused extensive damage, completely destroying 66 homes and additionally, the fire spread to the following structures:

 

    •    New Empire Hotel (Building No. 572): Damage to the 4th, 5th, and 6th floors.
    •    Chaloem Buri Shark Fin Restaurant (Building No. 540): Damage to the 4th and 5th floors.
    •    Tai Seng Restaurant: Damage to the 4th and 5th floors.

 

The cause of the fire cannot yet be determined due to the extent of the damage.

Reported Injuries:

 

 1.   One male suffered electric shock and was admitted to Hua Chiew Hospital.
 2.  Two males suffered from smoke inhalation and were admitted to Klang Hospital.
 3.   Two males also suffered from smoke inhalation but were treated and discharged from Taksin Hospital and Samitivej Chinatown Hospital, respectively.

 

Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, the provincial governor, traveled to inspect the damage to the Trok Pho community. The BMA has opened registration to help people affected by the fire at the joint command centre, a tent in front of the Chinatown Hotel.

 

 

From Thai media.

 

“Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was informed of the fire incident in the Phothi Community, Yaowarat, last night and promptly issued directives to ensure the safety of the local residents. He instructed the fire to be extinguished and ordered the rescue of those trapped. All relevant agencies have been directed to provide thorough support and care for both Thai citizens and foreign nationals affected by the fire.

 

Official Statement:

Chai Wacharong, the spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, disclosed that the fire is now under control. The Prime Minister has mandated that the involved agencies continue to provide assistance and support to the affected population. This includes managing the situation, assessing the needs of the residents, and ensuring the health and safety of those injured and the community at large.

 

Additional Information:

•    The government is committed to providing all necessary aid to the victims of the fire.
•    Efforts are being made to facilitate the recovery and rehabilitation of the affected area.”

 

https://www.fm91bkk.com/newsarticle/32936
 

The Samphanthawong District Office, in collaboration with various agencies, has established a relief centre at Wat Samphanthawongsaram Worawihan (Wat Koh) on Song Sawat Road to assist those affected by the fire.

 

•    The relief centre aims to provide immediate support and resources to the affected families.
•    Volunteers and community members are encouraged to offer any other forms of assistance needed.

 

1 minute ago, Georgealbert said:

“Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was informed of the fire incident in the Phothi Community, Yaowarat, last night and promptly issued directives to ensure the safety of the local residents. He instructed the fire to be extinguished and ordered the rescue of those trapped.

 

How would the authorities cope without him?

Posted 4 minutes ago

13 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

“Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was informed of the fire incident in the Phothi Community, Yaowarat, last night and promptly issued directives to ensure the safety of the local residents. He instructed the fire to be extinguished and ordered the rescue of those trapped.

10 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

How would the authorities cope without him?

Indeed.

That has to be one of the most useless PR statements in a long list from this man

 

 

Thai media update.

“Police General Torsak Sukwimol, the Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, has ordered the Metropolitan Police to integrate efforts with firefighters, Bangkok officials, and all relevant sectors to assist residents affected by the fire in the Phothi Community, Yaowarat Road.

Police General Torsak directed Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, to ensure comprehensive support for the affected residents. This includes assigning investigators to assist with taking statements from those who suffered damages, facilitating the legal process, and deploying forensic units to the scene to determine the cause of the fire. Additionally, he emphasised the need to assess building safety and damages in collaboration with relevant agencies.

The Samphanthawong District has registered 264 residents as fire victims. Four temporary shelters have been established at:
1. Wat Samphanthawongsaram Worawihan
2. Wat Chai Chana Songkhram
3. Wat Traimitr Withayaram Worawihan
4. Meeting room at Wat Traimitr Withayaram Worawihan School

The police have been instructed to patrol and ensure the safety of life and property in the affected areas. Traffic police are managing traffic around the incident site and shelters to aid the affected residents.

At 10:30, forensic officers arrived at the scene to collect evidence and investigate the cause of the fire. However, the operation is challenging due to ongoing fires within the rubble, requiring continued water application in certain areas.”

https://www.fm91bkk.com/newsarticle/32941

 

Drone being used to monitor fire spread and help direct response resources.

very sad indeed for those affected and lost everything ...  

I hope they get lots of support and relatives can take them in and give them food and beer.

In response to the fire, a royal sponsored kitchen has been set up at the Samphanthawong District Office this afternoon. The kitchen aims to offer meals and support to the fire victims and the officials working on the relief efforts.

 

Also Dr. Wanthanee Wattana, Permanent Secretary of Bangkok visited the administrative office with Admiral Kaneephol Songcharoen, Director of the Royal Volunteer Administration Centre,

 

Thai media update on the fire investigation.

 

“Police Lieutenant General Trirong Piewphan, Commissioner of the Central Institute of Forensic Science, spent over an hour inspecting the site. He noted that the houses were closely built, with a mix of wooden and concrete structures. Initial investigations have narrowed down the point of origin of the fire, aided by witness testimonies, including video footage from a tourist.

 

“The suspected point of origin is a cluster of several houses. Due to structural instability and heavy debris, further inspections are required,” said Lt. Gen. Trirong.

 

Forensic and chemical-physics investigation teams are collecting electrical equipment and data from the site. The area believed to be the fire’s origin will need more thorough examination.

There were social media reports suggesting the fire started in a sweet shop undergoing renovations. Lt. Gen. Trirong explained that while the exact house is still unidentified, it is within a group of 3-4 houses. Detailed inspections will follow, including debris removal by the police and rescue teams.

 

As evidence collection continues, some areas still emit smoke due to the hot weather and wind, requiring repeated water application by firefighters. Authorities will assess safety before allowing residents to enter to retrieve their belongings.

 

Lt. Gen. Trirong emphasized the priority of gathering evidence promptly to enable investigators and ensure residents’ safety before restoring access to the affected area.”

 

https://workpointnews.com/around/news/NV779YG

 

The sad thing is that there are so many other places/areas in Bangkok that could suffer the same fate at any time. This isn't the first time and it certainly won't be the last. Can anything be done about it? Probably not, except raze entire neighborhoods, and even many of the residents would prefer to stay where they are.

 

Great to see the community pulling together. Reminds me of what I saw when I happened to be in London when the Grenfell fire happened. I went there 36 hours later expecting to spend 10 minutes and was there for over two hours. A photo is said to be worth 1000 words, but nothing can prepare you for the reality. It literally took my breath away. People still wailing, some sitting in silent reflection, so many helpers providing food and clothing. It's something I'll never forget. I imagine it was the same in this case, although no-one died this time.

Fire in Bangkok’s Chinatown injures 30, damages hotel
by Mitch Connor

Picture courtesy of ข่าวพัทยา Pattayanews Facebook

 

A fire that ravaged the Trok Pho community in Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, was brought under control late last night after igniting around 9pm. The blaze left approximately 30 people injured.

 

Firefighters received reports of the fire beginning at 8.42pm in the Trok Pho area along Yaowarat Road in the Samphanthawong district. The fire quickly spread through the 3,200-square-metre community, which housed around 30 wooden residences.

 

Approximately 40 fire engines were dispatched to the scene, and firefighters managed to control the flames by 11.16pm.

The fire also caused damage to a portion of the seven-story New Empire Hotel. Firefighters successfully evacuated guests using the bucket of a fire engine.

Around 30 individuals sustained injuries, primarily due to smoke inhalation, with most of the injured being senior citizens. No fatalities have been reported.

 

For public safety, a section of Yaowarat Road was closed from Chaloem Buri intersection to Odeon roundabout as firefighters continued to extinguish smouldering debris, reported Bangkok Post.

 

The incident affected roughly 280 people, many of whom sought refuge at Wat Traimit. Most of those displaced are workers from other provinces and neighbouring countries.

 

In related news, a fire erupted in the ventilation shaft of a prominent hotel in downtown Hat Yai, leading to chaotic scenes as staff and guests scrambled to evacuate. Officials are investigating the incident, initially suspected to be caused by an electrical short circuit.

 

At 7.30pm on June 25, emergency services were alerted to a fire at a well-known hotel on Sanehanusorn Road, within the Hat Yai municipality in Songkhla province. Firefighters from Hat Yai Municipality quickly responded, dispatching four fire engines to the scene.

 

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered flames inside the hotel’s ventilation shaft, which measures over 1.5 metres wide. It took approximately 10 minutes to bring the fire under control, but during this time, thick smoke filled the hotel, causing panic among both guests and staff.

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-08

 

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Still Unclear Where Chinatown Fire Started With 60 Houses Likely Gutted
by TNR Staff

 

 

FORENSIC Police started investigating last night’s huge inferno at Trok Pho community on Yaowarat road but as yet are unable to determine exactly where it started amid difficult conditions with water still being sprayed at some spots to prevent the fire from reigniting, Thai Rath newspaper said this afternoon (July 7).

 

It is as yet unclear how many houses were burnt down with one report saying 30 but Praram Radio Centre put the total at 60. The blaze also spread to the New Empire Hotel damaging its fourth, fifth and sixth floors. Also damaged were the fourth and fifth floors of Chalermburi shark fin and Tai Cheng Hot Pot & Dim Sum restaurants.

 

This radio centre added that many of the houses that were gutted were made of wood and built close to each other with damage spread across one and 2 wah land plot.

 

Five men were injured in this big fire with one admitted to Hua Chiew Hospital after suffering an electric shock, two men were admitted to BMA General Hospital (Klang Hospital) for smoke inhalation while two others were also being treated at Taksin  and Samitivej Chinatown hospitals for the same condition but on outpatient basis.

 

Full story: THE THAI NEWSROOM 2024-07-08

 

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Did the guests get refunds? 

I'm guessing no.

Owner probably says they're lucky to escape with their lives.

Chinese Thai Culture. 😄

I've ventured through Chinatown many many times drinking tea, Dim Sum... Etc. 

LUCKILY... I mean Luckily no fatalities. 

I am booked to stay for a week at the Pho Place Hotel in early August. I chose it because of its location and the relative quiet offered by its position down in an alley, which is obviously also a disadvantage in a fire. There was a mention of the hotel but only that the fire there had been contained. 

10 minutes ago, Spock said:

I am booked to stay for a week at the Pho Place Hotel in early August. I chose it because of its location and the relative quiet offered by its position down in an alley, which is obviously also a disadvantage in a fire. There was a mention of the hotel but only that the fire there had been contained. 

In earlier post.

 

“The fire spread to the following structures:

 

    •    New Empire Hotel (Building No. 572): Damage to the 4th, 5th, and 6th floors.
    •    Chaloem Buri Shark Fin Restaurant (Building No. 540): Damage to the 4th and 5th floors.
    •    Tai Seng Restaurant: Damage to the 4th and 5th floors.”

 

Google maps showing the affected area, your hotel, I believe, is at the bottom of the fire area.

 

23 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Video showing the fire development and the difficult access down narrow streets.

City planning at it's best

I think their fire tenders need an overhaul or the water pressure at the hydrant is particularly low. 

 

Looking at the videos, the amount of water and pressure to fight the fire is fairly pathetic.  One could piss harder than what's coming out of the hoses. 

 

Local authorities need to fix that problem before any other fire occurs.  I expect fire insurance companies will increase premiums as a result. 

18 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

He instructed the fire to be extinguished

🤯

Very sad for anyone who was injured or lost everything but looking at the timeline, and give the complexity of the area pretty impressive for the firefighter to get the fire out in all of 2 3/4 hours from the original report.