Saraburi Hotel Destroyed in Late-Night Blaze

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A hotel in Saraburi, believed to be over 50 years old, was reduced to charred shell in a fire late on the night of 5 August. The blaze tore through the Yi Nguan Hotel, located in a soi behind Saraburi railway station, prompting a large-scale emergency response.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Paitoon Phankluaymai of Mueang Saraburi Police Station received the fire report at 22:20. Emergency responders from the Saraburi Municipality Fire Department, rescue volunteers from Sawang Rattanatrai and over ten fire engines were swiftly deployed to the scene.

Saraburi Mayor Dr. Panupong Tipyaset was among the first officials to arrive, overseeing the operation as flames engulfed the two-storey building made from a combination of concrete and timber. The fire reportedly began near the ground-floor bathroom of Room 7 before spreading rapidly through the wooden structure, which served as excellent fuel for the flames.

As the blaze intensified, firefighters used hydraulic platforms, to attack the fire from above while others accessed the neighbouring Saraburi Post Office compound to extinguish the fire from the rear. After more than an hour and half of intense effort, the fire was brought under control, though the building was left gutted.

Saraburi Deputy Governor Lertchai Sakonsaowapak, Mueang Saraburi District Chief Attakarn Jittawil and Provincial Disaster Prevention Chief Wattana Phong Wongkitchalert also attended the scene, offering support and overseeing emergency measures.

Mayor Panupong confirmed the fire had been contained and praised the cooperation among agencies. He noted that the building, with its aged wooden upper floor, was highly susceptible to fire. He estimated the structure’s age at around 50 years.

A woman sustained minor injuries during the incident, reportedly due to panic rather than burns or smoke inhalation. Firefighters remained on-site to damp down remaining hot spots and inspect the ruins. Forensic investigators are expected to begin examining the scene to determine the exact cause of the blaze.

One witness, a local man operating a photocopy shop at the corner of the building, said he was alerted by a friend while staying at a nearby residence. “I rushed back and saw the fire had already reached the upper floor,” he recounted. “It quickly spread to other rooms.”

The cause of the fire remains unclear, with local residents saying they did not witness the initial ignition. Damage assessments are ongoing.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-08-06