Picture and video from responders.

 

A devastating fire engulfed Ploy Pla Tu & Pet Mart, a large-scale pet food and supply store in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai, on the evening of 6 January. The blaze caused extensive damage, including the deaths of numerous animals and an estimated financial loss of at least 5 million baht.

 

The fire broke out at approximately 21:00, prompting police from Mae Sai Police Station to coordinate with local firefighting units. Fire engines from Mae Sai Subdistrict Municipality, Mae Sai Mitraphap Municipality, and Wiang Phang Kham Municipality, 15 in total, rushed to the scene. Rescue organisations, including the Siam Ruamjai Foundation and Piyamit Mae Sai Relief Society, also assisted in containing the fire.

 

The fire rapidly consumed the store, located in Moo 6, Ban Pa Yang, Mae Sai subdistrict, due to the large quantities of combustible pet supplies stored within. Firefighters battled the flames for over two hours before successfully preventing the blaze from spreading to neighbouring buildings.

 

Initial inspections revealed significant damage to the building’s structure and the destruction of a wide range of pet products. Tragically, numerous animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, and fish, perished in the fire. Only a handful of animals were rescued before the flames intensified.

 

 

The store’s owner, Mrs. Ratree, was visibly distraught as she watched the tragedy unfold. Overcome with grief for the animals trapped inside, she expressed her deep sorrow for the loss.

 

Preliminary investigations suggest that an electrical short circuit may have caused the fire. However, forensic experts will conduct a detailed investigation to confirm the exact cause.

 

This is not the first disaster to strike Ploy Pla Tu & Pet Mart. The store suffered heavy losses during last year’s severe flooding in Mae Sai, which caused significant damage to its stock of pet food and live animals. The owners had only recently restocked and resumed operations before this fire destroyed the business once again.

 

Authorities are continuing their investigation, while the community has expressed sympathy for the store’s losses and the plight of the animals.

 

-- 2025-01-07

 

 

 

"The store’s owner, Mrs. Ratree, was visibly distraught as she watched the tragedy unfold. Overcome with grief for the animals trapped inside, she expressed her deep sorrow for the loss."

 

Tragic.  I understand her feeling for the animals.