Tourists Evacuated as Smoke Issues from Pattaya Hotel Room, Minor Damage Reported

Picture from responders.

A fire scare at a Pattaya hotel caused panic among tourists on the night of February 27, but fortunately resulted in only minor damage. The incident, which took place in a hotel on Soi Buakhao in central Pattaya, was reportedly caused by an unattended incense stick left burning as part of a religious offering.

At approximately 22:00, the Pattaya City disaster relief centre received an emergency call about a fire in a hotel room. Firefighters, rescue volunteers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, and officers from Pattaya City Police Station were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, emergency responders found smoke coming from the hotel room and starting to fill corridors. Firefighters quickly entered the premises and evacuated the building. The situation was quickly brought under control, with minor fire damage limited to the room of origin.

According to initial investigations, a woman staying in the hotel had been conducting a religious ceremony honouring the Hindu goddess Kali. She had lit incense and candles before leaving for work but failed to properly extinguish them. The smouldering embers ignited nearby materials, causing a small fire, but allowing smoke to fill the room and parts of the corridors.

Tourists staying in the hotel, noticing the smoke seeping into the corridor, raised the alarm, fearing the possibility of a larger fire. Fortunately, firefighters managed to contain the situation before significant damage occurred and guests were quickly allowed to return to their rooms.

Authorities have urged residents and visitors to exercise caution when using candles and incense in enclosed spaces, especially in hotels and rental properties. No injuries were reported, and hotel management is assessing the extent of the minor damage.

-- 2025-03-01