Forklift Blaze at Closed Store Sparks Urgent Firefighting Rescue

Photo: The Thaiger

Early this morning in Mueang Trat, a seemingly minor fire rapidly evolved into a significant blaze, engulfing a forklift, stacks of wooden pallets, and over 40 trolleys at the now-closed Noen Sai branch of the Trat Provincial Cooperative Store. Although it narrowly missed the main store building, quick-thinking firefighters successfully contained the fire after a 30-minute battle.

Arak, a security guard who started his shift at 8pm, initially thought he witnessed common rubbish burning. However, upon close inspection, he discovered a rapidly intensifying fire consuming nearby materials and promptly alerted police. Shortly after, officers and firefighters arrived alongside the Sawang Boonchuay Rescue Foundation to tackle the flames.

Despite relentless efforts with chemical extinguishers, it was only the strategic deployment of water from the Tha Prik-Noen Sai Municipality fire trucks that stopped the fire from spreading further.

Investigations by Mueang Trat Police have begun, but the fire's cause remains unknown—whether a consequence of arson or negligence. The Trat Provincial Forensic Office will perform more detailed analyses.

The Noen Sai branch was already in dire straits before the incident. It faced closure earlier this year, haemorrhaging funds since 2014 due to fierce competition and investment missteps. Losses had mounted to roughly 138 million baht, forcing its shutdown in July, while the main branch continues its operations uninterrupted.