Fire Ravages Over 20 Rooms in Ban Pong Community During Songkran Celebrations

Picture from responders

A large fire broke out in the heart of Ban Pong town, Ratchaburi, on the afternoon of 13 April, destroying more than 20 rental units in the historic Rong Thoop community, as residents were celebrating Songkran. The blaze prompted a massive emergency response and caused widespread panic among locals.

At approximately 13:40, Pol. Lt. Col. Surachai Bunin of Ban Pong Police Station received a report of a fire at Rong Thoop Community, Soi 1, within the Ban Pong Municipality. The incident was immediately reported to Pol. Col. Kobchok Lektragoon, the station chief, and emergency services were dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, firefighters from Ban Pong’s municipal disaster prevention unit, alongside volunteers from Ruamjai Charity Foundation Ratchaburi, found the fire engulfing rows of old wooden rental rooms. High winds intensified the spread of the flames, while several gas canisters exploded in succession, further complicating efforts to control the blaze. Multiple fire engines from nearby districts were called in for backup.

In the chaos, residents rushed to evacuate bedridden patients and salvage valuable possessions. Firefighters worked for more than an hour and half, to bring the flames under control. Initial assessments report that over 20 rooms were destroyed. One firefighter sustained minor injuries, but fortunately, no residents were hurt or killed.

Ms. Sophita, a local noodle shop owner near the site, described the terrifying moment: “I smelled burning and then saw thick black smoke rising above the rooftops. Within ten minutes, flames were consuming the entire row of rooms. We all rushed to help move patients, pets, and anything we could carry.”

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire originated in a room used to store old items. That room, located in the middle of the wooden complex, had been locked by its tenant who was away at the time. Witnesses reported hearing a crackling sound, possibly from an electrical short circuit, just before the fire broke out and rapidly spread.

Authorities believe an electrical short circuit was the likely cause but have called in the Provincial Forensics Department for a detailed investigation. An assessment of the total damage is currently underway.

Mr. Norasing Arunbanchoetkul, Deputy Mayor of Ban Pong, confirmed that emergency assistance was already in motion. The Ban Pong Municipal Sports Centre has been converted into a temporary shelter and donation hub for those affected by the fire. Meals, bedding, and basic necessities are being provided to displaced residents. Bedridden patients have been transferred to Ban Pong Hospital for proper care.

-- 2025-04-14