Residents Flee After Village Burnt To The Ground

Residents flee after village razed to the ground

CHIANG RAI: -- Residents of a hilltribe community in Thailand's northern province of Chiang Rai were forced to evacuate to temporary accommodation this morning after a blazing inferno razed through their village, destroying all 16 houses.

They spent last night in what little remained of their village, but this morning the 77-strong Akha community of Baan Phaserit took their belongings and moved to accommodation provided by a charity in central Chiang Rai.

Yesterday afternoon firefighters rushed to the blaze, but the strong wind coupled with the fact that the wooden houses were constructed close together and the roofs were made out of straw meant that they had little chance.

Two hours later, and the 16 houses were little more than piles of ashes.

Mrs. Aba Laeni, one of two people injured in the blaze, told reporters today that as soon as she had seen the flames she had rushed into her house in an effort to rescue her belongings.

But no sooner was she in her house than it became engulfed in the flames, and she had to flee for her life.

Muang district chief Mr. Sanit Phusaengthong, who this morning donated clothing, food and blankets to the villagers, said that the blaze had probably been caused by an electrical short circuit.

He estimated the damage at around Bt1 million.

He also warned all local residents to be extra vigilant of the possibility of fire, noting that conflagrations could break out easily during the dry season.

--TNA 2005-04-20