Devastating Fire Destroys Life Savings of Elderly Couple in Surin

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures and video from responders.

 

A fire that ravaged two homes in Surin province has left an elderly couple devastated, losing over 1 million baht in cash and their entire life savings in the blaze.

 

The fire broke out at approximately 09:35 on 21 December, at a property in Ban Sonuan, Dan Subdistrict, in the Kabcheung district of Surin. Local firefighters from several areas responded to the emergency, including teams from Dan, Kabcheung, Koktakian, and Kutan subdistricts, as well as fire trucks from the Tatum Subdistrict and the local Civil Defence volunteers.

 

Upon arrival, firefighters found two homes engulfed in flames. The blaze, which was particularly fierce in the wooden house with a raised foundation, took more than an hour to contain. Firefighters worked to extinguish smouldering debris, especially around a large pile of hay that had caught fire. The smoke continued to billow for some time, and the local community gathered to offer their support to the homeowners.

 

The owners, 59-year-old Yom Bunjue and 62-year-old Yee Tongmak, were overcome with grief, with both collapsing in tears and fainting at the scene. Neighbours rushed to their aid, comforting the couple as they came to terms with their loss.

 

Preliminary investigations revealed that, in addition to household items such as appliances, furniture, and important documents, the couple’s savings—stored in multiple piggy banks were destroyed in the fire. Yom Bunjue confirmed that the couple had saved approximately 900,000 baht in cash, along with two gold necklaces weighing 2 baht, and several piggy banks filled with cash, including 1,000-baht, 500-baht, and 100-baht bills, accumulated over many years of working as farmers and rubber tappers. Unfortunately, these savings were completely incinerated.

 

“I had been saving all my life,” said Yom, tears streaming down his face. “I stored the money in jars on the second floor of the house. I tried to get to them, but the fire spread so quickly. I was forced to escape by breaking the window and jumping down to safety, injuring my hand in the process. I have nothing left. My entire life’s work has gone up in smoke.”

 

Yom explained that the fire started rapidly from the old house, where hay had been stored for their cattle, and he immediately realised that his life savings were at risk. As the flames spread to the second floor, he attempted to salvage his possessions, but it was too late. Yom also mentioned that he had seen children playing near the house moments before the fire broke out but did not hold them responsible.

 

Local authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, which remains unclear at this stage. Kabcheung district officials, including the district chief and other local leaders, have pledged to assist the couple in their recovery and help them rebuild their lives.

 

 

 

-- 2024-12-22

 

 

 

[sidneybear]

Looks like they had money to burn. 

[Tropicalevo]

In the UK, most banks would replace badly damaged notes but probably not those that are completely incinerated.

I have no idea if Thai banks do the same.

[BangkokReady]

Very sad.  Probably didn't trust banks.  Their house sounds like it was a tinderbox waiting to go.

[hotchilli]

On 12/22/2024 at 4:02 AM, Georgealbert said:

A fire that ravaged two homes in Surin province has left an elderly couple devastated, losing over 1 million baht in cash and their entire life savings in the blaze.

I guess they didn't trust the banks

[steven100]

bales of hay stored under the first floor and they think that's where the fire started. 

kids seen playing there just prior .. is that a possible cause ?  did the kids start playing with matches ? 

[jcmj]

I don’t trust the banks here with a lot of money either, but have a huge fireproof safe for my valuables. Sad they lost it all, but could have been avoided. Hope they find a way to rebuild. 

[john donson]

better buy gold, fire resistant

[TheFishman1]

Had breakfast there a few days ago before going to see somebody they good breakfast is for the money tit

[mfd101]

So 59 & 62 is elderly? Not amongst Khmer peasants, I shouldn't think.

 

As to the money stored, fairly typical levels of ignorance involved. My PILs - 78 & c81 - don't have bank accounts. Never been inside a bank in their life. One of their sons (still virginal at 38) has never been inside a shop of any kind in his life. Waits outside in the carpark when we venture in ...