Panic as 10-Year-Old Boy Starts Fire Inside Phatthalung Shopping Mall

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

Shoppers were sent fleeing after a fire broke out in a prominent shopping mall in the heart of Phatthalung province, reportedly sparked by a 10-year-old boy who ignited cardboard using a lighter.

According to local reports, the incident occurred on 7 July at a well-known shopping centre in Mueang district. Authorities confirmed that two separate fires ignited within a short period, causing some panic among staff and customers and prompting a full-scale evacuation.

The first fire began on the ground floor in the mall’s DIY zone. Witnesses stated that a 10-year-old boy, identified as a child with special needs, was visiting the mall with his guardian. While the guardian was occupied at a cashier counter, the child reportedly entered an employee-only area with a lighter and set fire to a stack of cardboard. Fortunately, a staff member spotted the blaze and extinguished it before it could spread further.

However, shortly after the initial incident, a fire alarm sounded again as flames erupted at a separate location within the store, this time on a shelving unit. Smoke quickly filled the area  and fire spread more rapidly than in the first incident.

Emergency services, including Phatthalung Municipality Firefighters, provincial disaster prevention officials and local rescue teams, were dispatched to the scene. Fire crews worked for nearly 30 minutes to bring the situation under control and secure the area to prevent any further incidents.

No injuries have been reported, and authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage. Initial investigations are underway to determine whether the two fires were connected or coincidental.

Police took the boy and his guardian to Mueang Phatthalung Police Station for questioning. Officers are also reportedly in discussions regarding potential compensation for damages caused during the incident.

The mall was able to resume operations in non-affected areas, though safety checks and repairs are ongoing.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-08