Dara Dhevi Spa Fire “Unnatural”, Claims Chiang Mai Hotel Executive

Pictures courtesy of Khoasod.

A senior executive of the Dara Dhevi Hotel in Chiang Mai has described the recent fire that destroyed the resort’s disused spa complex as “unnatural” and insists that the damage accounts for only a small fraction of the overall property.

Mr Suphan Setthapanich, Director of Siam Estate Dara Dhevi Co. Ltd., the current owner of the hotel, held a press conference at the hotel’s Kad Kham restaurant on 2 May to address public concern following the blaze. The fire occurred in the early hours of 23 April, gutting all seven buildings that made up the “Deva Spa”, a largely wooden complex that had been out of use for around seven years.

According to Mr Suphan, his company legally acquired the front section of the 150-rai estate, totalling around 80 rai, at auction in late 2023 for approximately 2.4 billion baht. The remainder of the land, including the area housing much of the hotel’s utility infrastructure, is still owned by another firm, Global One, which was originally responsible for establishing the luxury resort.

Addressing the fire, Mr Suphan said he personally believes it to have been caused by unnatural means, as the affected buildings had been without electrical power for years. Power was only supplied to the exterior area for minimal lighting, with all internal circuits isolated by breakers. He also noted that the spa buildings were constructed using reinforced cement board, steel framing, and hardwood, materials not easily set alight.

Adding to the suspicion, local residents, security personnel, and firefighters reported hearing what sounded like explosions, at least 16 in total, during the fire.

Despite the dramatic images of the blaze, Mr Suphan stressed that only 5–10% of the total property was affected. As the spa had long been closed to the public, no guests or services were impacted, and the remainder of the hotel continues to operate as normal. He admitted, however, that the emotional toll was significant, particularly as the spa was a symbolic part of the resort.

Mr Suphan also confirmed that the damaged buildings were not covered by insurance. He explained that insurers had declined to provide coverage due to the buildings being out of operation, despite the company’s desire to insure the property.

When asked whether arson could be a factor, Mr Suphan declined to speculate, stating that it was a matter for the authorities to determine. He did assert, however, that the company stood to gain nothing from the incident.

He concluded by expressing his gratitude to the emergency services, neighbouring residents, business partners, and especially Mr Suchet Suwanmongkol, founder of Global One and the original developer of the Dara Dhevi Hotel, for his messages of concern and support. Mr Suphan added that both parties remain committed to working together to restore the property to its former glory.

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