Fire Destroys Historic Wooden Monk’s Quarters in Phetchaburi

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

A fire engulfed a historic two-storey wooden monk’s residence at Wat Yai Suwannaram Worawihan in central Phetchaburi on 27 November, causing damage valued in the millions of baht. Fire crews deployed five fire engines and worked for around an hour to bring the blaze under control as thick black smoke rose from the structure. Officers continued to douse the area to prevent reignition due to heat trapped within the aged timber.

The incident was reported to Pol Lt Col Warit Oiydaeng, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) of Mueang Phetchaburi Police Station, who informed senior provincial officials including Deputy Governor Phakaphat Songwatthanayut and Pol Col Chokchai Nielssen, Superintendent of Mueang Phetchaburi Police Station. Firefighters from Phetchaburi Municipality and rescue volunteers from the Sawang Sanphet Foundation responded to the emergency. The damaged building formed part of a significant religious complex known for its long-standing heritage.

Initial information suggested the fire started inside the room of 37-year-old Laesak Ketkiew, a nephew of the abbot, who reported seeing an electrical short circuit ignite wiring in his room. The flames spread rapidly due to the old wooden interior, travelling upwards through the ceiling and into the second floor. Attempts to contain the fire internally failed as the blaze intensified, forcing emergency crews to take full control.

Phra Wachiramekhun, District Ecclesiastical Chief of Mueang Phetchaburi and Abbot of Wat Yai Suwannaram Worawihan, said the cause of the fire would be examined closely to determine whether it was accidental or involved any wrongdoing. Police officers secured the scene and restricted access to protect evidence. Authorities confirmed that forensic police from Phetchaburi Province conducted a detailed inspection to assess structural damage and confirm the origin of the fire.

Daily News reported that police investigators are now preparing to coordinate further technical examinations to verify the reported electrical fault and rule out other potential causes. Damage assessment teams are expected to estimate losses at several million baht. Officials will review safety measures at the temple complex to prevent future incidents while restoration considerations move forward.

Key Takeaways

• A historic two-storey wooden monk’s residence at Wat Yai Suwannaram was heavily damaged by fire on 27 November.

• Early reports point to an electrical short circuit in the room of the abbot’s nephew as the source of the blaze.

• Police and forensic teams will conduct detailed examinations to confirm the cause and assess losses valued in the millions.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-11-29