Fire Destroys 40 Shops at Thailand-Cambodia Border Market

Pictures from responders.

A major fire broke out at the Rong Kluea Market, a bustling border trade hub between Thailand and Cambodia, in the early hours of February 26, destroying at least 40 shop units. The blaze sent traders scrambling to save their goods as emergency services worked to bring the flames under control.

The fire started at approximately 00:10 in the market’s Golden Gate section (Municipal Market 3, Gate 2), in the area of second-hand shoe stalls in Ban Khlong Luek, Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province. Firefighters from the Aranyaprathet municipal fire brigade, along with multiple rescue teams, rushed to the scene to contain the fire.

Authorities reported that the affected area consisted of rented retail spaces selling various goods, including clothing, bags, and accessories. Given the highly flammable nature of these products, the fire spread rapidly.

Rescue teams from the Sawang Thieng Tham Foundation and the Aranyaprathet Rescue Foundation worked alongside local officials to control the flames. Aranyaprathet Mayor Watcharin Aranjaroenying personally supervised the operation, coordinating efforts with local administrative bodies, police from Klong Luek Police Station, and paramilitary forces from the 12th Ranger Battalion.

A total of 12 fire engines from multiple municipal districts, including Aranyaprathet, Pa Rai, Ban Mai, Tha Kham, Ban Dan, Fak Huai, and additional support from the military and border patrol police, were deployed to tackle the blaze.

By 02:40, firefighters had successfully contained the fire, though smoke continued to rise from the affected area. Initial inspections suggest that the fire destroyed between 40 and 50 rental units in sections R and A of the market.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the blaze, though preliminary reports suggest it may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit. Police from Klong Luek station are set to conduct a thorough investigation later today.

Mayor Watcharin emphasised the swift and coordinated response from all involved agencies, praising firefighters, police, and volunteers for their efforts in preventing the fire from spreading further.

The Rong Kluea Market, located near the Thai-Cambodian border, is one of Thailand’s largest second-hand goods markets and a key centre for trade in the region. Traders affected by the fire now face significant losses, with officials expected to assess the full extent of the damage in the coming days.

-- 2025-02-27