Major Fire Destroys Thawee Charoen Superstore in Chanthaburi

Pictures from responders.

A devastating fire broke out late night on the 1 April, at the Thawee Charoen Superstore (Maharaj branch) in Chanthaburi province, completely engulfing the building in flames. Emergency services were alerted at around 23:30 prompting an immediate response from the Chanthaburi Municipality’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department. Firefighting units from nearby areas were also called in to assist.

Initial reports indicate that the fire originated from an electrical short circuit at a streetlight in front of the store. Sparks from the electrical fault ignited overhead wiring, causing melting plastic to drip onto a plastic waste bin below. The flames quickly spread to the store’s main structure, intensifying rapidly.

Despite the ferocity of the blaze, there were no casualties. At the time of the incident, the store owner, Surachai Kaewthong, commonly known as “Hia Ping”, was inside with his wife, five children, and more than ten migrant workers. Fortunately, they managed to escape unharmed.

Multiple fire engines were deployed to tackle the fire, with firefighters battling the inferno for more than six hours before bringing it under control. Due to lingering heat and thick smoke inside the collapsed structure, additional water was sprayed to prevent any resurgence of flames.

By the morning of 2 April, authorities arrived to assess the damage and determine the precise cause of the fire. Police Colonel Arkhaphong Sunthornwipat, Deputy Commander of Chanthaburi Provincial Police, led the investigation alongside district officials and forensic specialists. Meanwhile, Chanthaburi Governor Kittipong Kitikhun and Provincial Police Commander Major General Phadungsak Raksasuk have ordered a thorough inspection of the incident and its aftermath.

Although an electrical short circuit is suspected to be the primary cause, forensic teams are conducting a detailed investigation to confirm the findings and evaluate the full extent of the damage.

-- 2025-04-03