Fire Destroys Floating Home of Family of Young Student in Lamphun

Picture from responders.

A young girl and her family have been left homeless after a catastrophic fire destroyed their floating house on 18 February. Fortunately, all family members escaped without injury.

The fire broke out at approximately 17:30 near to the floating classroom of Ban Ko Settlement School, located in Li District. The home belonged to the family of Charanya Laobuawong, affectionately known as “Frame,” a Kindergarten 3 student at the school’s floating branch.

The incident came to light when Kru Noi, a teacher at the floating school, shared a video of the blaze on Facebook. The footage shows young Frame being carried to safety, visibly distressed as she watches her home and belongings engulfed in flames.

While Frame and her family managed to escape unharmed, the fire completely destroyed their residence, leaving them without shelter or possessions.

Ban Ko Settlement School (Floating Branch) is a distinctive educational institution situated on a lake above Bhumibol Dam, at the intersection of three provinces: Lamphun, Chiang Mai, and Tak. It is the only floating school of its kind in Thailand and has served as a filming location for the popular Thai movie “Teacher’s Diary” (Kid Tueng Wittaya).

Local authorities, including officials from Li District and Ko Municipality, have been informed of the incident and are working to provide emergency assistance to the family. Efforts are also being made to secure long-term housing and support to aid in their recovery.

-- 2025-02-20