Pictures courtesy of Daily News

A fire broke out at a large theatre under construction in south Pattaya on 5 January 2026, prompting dozens of workers to flee the site amid heavy smoke. The blaze caused panic among labourers but was brought under control within about 15 minutes of the fire service attending, with no injuries reported. Emergency services were quickly deployed after the incident was reported at 1.30pm.

The fire occurred at a six-storey theatre project located on Pattaya South Road, Chon Buri province. According to police, thick smoke was seen billowing from the structure, leading workers to run from the building in fear for their safety. The scale of the construction and the materials involved raised concerns about the potential for the fire to spread rapidly.

Police Colonel Anek Sarathongyu, superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, led the response alongside officers from the city’s disaster prevention and mitigation unit. Fire engines, rescue vehicles, equipment trucks and ambulances from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation were dispatched to the scene. Their coordinated efforts enabled firefighters to contain the blaze in a relatively short time.

The construction site was being overseen by Mr Khet Sophon Simachai, aged 46, who was acting as the project’s construction supervisor. He explained that the fire started on the rooftop level of the building while workers were carrying out steel welding. Sparks from the welding work struck thermal insulation foam, which ignited quickly and caused flames to spread.

Mr Khet said workers attempted to extinguish the fire using chemical fire extinguishers but were unable to stop it in time. As the flames intensified, the priority shifted to evacuating all personnel safely from the building. The rapid response of emergency teams prevented further damage and ensured no casualties.

Police Lieutenant Panachai Wansri, a deputy investigation officer at Pattaya City Police Station, conducted an initial inspection of the scene. He documented the damage and began recording witness statements from workers who were present at the time of the fire.

Daily News reported that investigators will continue questioning those involved and reviewing safety procedures at the site. Further assessments will be carried out to evaluate damage and compliance with construction safety regulations. Officials said the findings would guide any subsequent legal or administrative steps.

Key Takeaways

• A fire broke out at a six-storey theatre construction site in central Pattaya on 5 January 2026.

• The blaze was caused by welding sparks igniting thermal insulation foam on the rooftop level.

• Firefighters controlled the fire within about 15 minutes, with no injuries reported.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-01-06

 

 

Who knew that welding creates sparks.

Rather distressing that just a spark was enough to set fire to the insulation being used. And, even more distressing that the insulation burned so easily and quickly that the fire could not be extinguished.

Seems they never learn not to use highly flammable materials..this just days after the 40 dead in the new years party fire.

Insulation foam is bad, very bad, when mixed with fire.

I hope they take this as a cautionary tale that the foam insulation they used is not fire resistant.

Heads should roll. But at least they found out before the theater was packed with customers.