Rental Homes Destroyed in Devastating Fire in Banglamung

Picture from responders.

A ferocious fire ravaged five rental homes in Banglamung, Chonburi, on the evening of 22 January leaving destruction in its wake. The blaze, believed to have been sparked by an electrical short circuit, caused extensive damage to property but thankfully resulted in no fatalities.

At approximately 18:00 Pol. Lt. Col. Suchart Dusadee of Bang Lamung Police Station was alerted to the incident, which occurred within the grounds of Wat Chittaphawan, Moo 1, Naklua Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District. Upon receiving the report, fire engines from Pattaya City and neighbouring municipal areas were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

The fire engulfed a row of two-storey houses, constructed with concrete lower floors and wooden upper levels. Intense flames spread rapidly, with explosions heard intermittently from the blaze. Firefighters battled for over an hour to bring the fire under control, ultimately managing to contain it. However, five homes were completely destroyed in the disaster. A Mercedes-Benz parked in front of one of the houses narrowly escaped damage.

Mr. Thanawat Wilai, a 26-year-old car repairman, recounted that the fire appeared to originate from the far-right house, which had recently been vacated by tenants. “I was stepping out of my house when I noticed smoke rising. Moments later, flames erupted and quickly spread,” he explained. Acting promptly, he contacted the authorities.

One of the homeowners, Mr. Yongyut Khiawdee, aged 55, sustained burns to his back while attempting to contain the fire. “I heard the sound of an electrical short circuit, followed by sparks near the roof. I tried to douse the flames with water, but the fire spread too quickly. Burning embers fell on me, causing my injuries,” he shared.

Following the containment of the blaze, police documented the incident and coordinated with forensic officers from Chonburi’s Division 2 to conduct a thorough investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the cause was an electrical fault, although further examination is required to confirm this. The total damage is yet to be assessed.

Local authorities, led by the Bang Lamung District Chief, are evaluating the situation to determine appropriate measures to assist the affected residents.

-- 2025-01-23