Picture from responders.

 

Authorities in Lampang Province are investigating a fire that engulfed a 99-year-old wooden school building, causing damage estimated at over 2 million baht. The fire broke out late on the night of 23 January at Ban Mae Tha School, located in Mae Tha District.

 

At 09:00 on 24 January, Pol Lt Col Phakphoom Wongchai, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) of Mae Tha Police Station, along with Lampang Forensic Division 5, district officials, and other relevant agencies, inspected the site of the fire. They were joined by Kasem Jaichan, Mae Tha District Chief, school director Chakrapong Kongnun, and teacher Phongsakorn Wandue, who was the first to witness the incident.

 

Mr. Phongsakorn, who resides in the teacher’s accommodation next to the building, recalled hearing multiple loud noises around 23:30. Initially, he assumed someone was setting off firecrackers. However, when the electricity in his home began to flicker, he stepped outside to investigate. He discovered flames in the centre of the left-wing of the building, which was being used for storage. The fire spread rapidly, prompting him to alert the school director and call emergency services.

 

The blaze destroyed four rooms, including a storage room that housed desks, chairs, musical instruments, educational materials, and books, as well as two classrooms and a library. The initial damage assessment is valued at more than 2 million baht.

 

The affected building, constructed in 1926, was entirely made of wood and had been in use for nearly a century. The fire is suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, although forensic officers are conducting further investigations to confirm the exact cause.

 

This incident marks a significant loss to the school and the community, as the historic building had served generations of students in Mae Tha.

 

-- 2025-01-25

 

 

Another holiday for the kids.