Massive Fire Destroys Paper Factory in Nakhon Pathom, Damage Estimated at Over 10 Million

Pictures from responders.

A devastating fire broke out early morning on 19 March, at a paper manufacturing factory in Moo 3, Ban Luang subdistrict, Don Tum district, Nakhon Pathom. The blaze engulfed a large warehouse, causing the structure to collapse and resulting in estimated damages exceeding 10 million baht.

The fire was reported at around 03:30, prompting an immediate response from the Don Tum Police Station. Over 20 fire engines from surrounding areas rushed to the scene, but access proved extremely difficult as the warehouse had only a single entry point. Firefighters had to establish a relay system, passing water from one truck to another to reach the flames, significantly slowing down their efforts.

The affected site covered more than 20 rai, with three large interconnected warehouses spanning over five rai. One section was used for worker accommodation, from which all occupants managed to escape safely, while another stored large quantities of finished paper products.

Efforts to combat the fire were hampered by a lack of structural information, as the factory owner was unavailable, and many workers, who were foreign nationals, were unable to communicate in Thai. The factory is reportedly owned by a group of Taiwanese businessmen, none of whom were present at the time.

As the fire continued to rage, sections of the building began to collapse, forcing firefighters to withdraw and to take extra precautions. The walls of the warehouse started to buckle, raising concerns about further structural failures. Fire crews working from multiple angles, battled the flames from the front and rear of the facility.

By 08:00, firefighters from municipal teams across Nakhon Pathom, including Sam Ngam, Huai Phlu, Bang Len, and Nakhon Pathom City, along with emergency response teams from various foundations, managed to bring the blaze under control. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported.

Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire, and forensic teams will conduct a detailed examination of the site, once they are able to safely enter. The total damage could exceed initial estimates, given the high volume of stored paper inside the warehouse. The factory’s alleged owner, identified as Mr Somchai, has been contacted and is expected to visit the site later.

-- 2025-03-20