farangyourmom Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 I'm doing a research project on high-rise structural fires. I've already mined the web for all the English language information on this particular disaster, are there any Thai documents to be aware of? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scorecard Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Must be, it was a big tragic fire, the Thai fire police etc., must have some amount of relevant documents and they would certainly be in Thai language. Good luck with trying to find them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieH Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Better to ask in that local forum....Pattaya MOVED Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BB1950 Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 (edited) It definitely was well document in Thai as it was a major event in Thailand! But I doubt you find as much online because it was long before the Internet became popular with Thais. Back then it was difficult for computers to deal with Thai fonts! You might try contacting The 'Pattaya Mail' or 'The Nation' for Thai sources that you could access. They both reported on it in English. They have Thai staff that probably could steer you in the right direction. Maybe this Google search will help you get you started. Edited October 5, 2015 by BB1950 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai at Heart Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 (edited) The fire escapes were locked to stop people doing a runner from paying their bills. A week before, my company safety officer had attended a seminar there. Edited October 5, 2015 by Thai at Heart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katana Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 (edited) Comes back to me now. The Royal Jomtien Resort fire in Jomtien Pataya. Dramatic rescue footage http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/hotel-blamed-as-fire-kills-78-at-thai-beach-resort-1250217.html Edited October 5, 2015 by katana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toenail Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Within the 12 years I have been here, I wonder if the firefighters have upgraded their equipment with all the tall condos and hotels that have mushroomed around here. Also, this is another reminder for us who live in tall structures to make sure the fire escapes are NOT blocked or locked and to think what we would do if there was a fire. It is not the fire that kills people, it is the black smoke full of chemicals that make people lose consciousness. Knowing how the city budgets (not) for various projects around here, they seem to neglect items such as this since it is not as glamorous as removing old trees in order to renovate the beach promenade Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToddinChonburi Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 I wonder if any of these people will ever stay in a hotel again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fallangpakwan Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 I witnessed that fire; must say there was some reasonably rapid response; at least 2 choppers were there in no time ferrying people off the roof and down onto the beach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KhunBENQ Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Happened on 11th July 1997. 91 dead. From here: http://www.oknation.net/blog/Smartlearning/2010/08/17/entry-1 First report in the English newspaper links above says 78 dead. So maybe a number of injured died soon after. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katana Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 (edited) BB1950's post above gives a lot of good Thai language links. PS Slightly off topic, but reminds me of another disaster: the gas transport truck that crashed and exploded in Bangkok's Petchaburi road 25 years ago in 24/09/90 killing 59 and devastating 21 city blocks.Some old newspaper footage here:http://pattayadailynews.com/20th-anniversary-of-devastating-new-petchaburi-road-gas-explosion/https://th.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%93%E0%B9%8C%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%81%E0%B9%8A%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%83%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%88_%E0%B8%9E.%E0%B8%A8._2533http://topicstock.pantip.com/wahkor/topicstock/2009/05/X7859487/X7859487.html Edited October 6, 2015 by katana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digbeth Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Within the 12 years I have been here, I wonder if the firefighters have upgraded their equipment with all the tall condos and hotels that have mushroomed around here. Also, this is another reminder for us who live in tall structures to make sure the fire escapes are NOT blocked or locked and to think what we would do if there was a fire. It is not the fire that kills people, it is the black smoke full of chemicals that make people lose consciousness. Knowing how the city budgets (not) for various projects around here, they seem to neglect items such as this since it is not as glamorous as removing old trees in order to renovate the beach promenade There are 90 meters firefighting crane that can reach about 30 floors now, I know that Bangkok has a couple, I'm sure Pattaya could afford one, Pattaya's fire brigade do get called out to help industrial fires in the various factories and chemical plants in the eastern seaboard too, so I'm sure they're trained Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dotpoom Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 I moved to Thailand in 2001. I later joined the Ex Pat's club. One one occasion the Fire Dept. (as far as I can recall) were giving a demonstration on what to do in the case of finding yourself in a building that has caught fire. They showed pictures of the event you are asking about both from inside and outside while the disaster was actually taking place...how one woman lost her life simply because she delayed leaving her room to call information to ask if they knew of her husband's whereabouts, he was already in the foyer and survived. Don't know what you can do with this information but maybe it will give you an idea of where to start looking....hope your research leads to saving a life....very valuable and worthwhile work if it is put to good use.....good Luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chivas Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 The fire escapes were locked to stop people doing a runner from paying their bills. A week before, my company safety officer had attended a seminar there. So what was the outcome as regards that ?? Owners charged/convicted of Manslaughter ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fallangpakwan Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Have to mention, I recently for first time, went into a large fairly newly established outlet on Highway 7 (name withheld), it would be at least 200 metres long, and narrow; small entrance in centre,concrete walls all along, crammed with all kinds of flammable stuff, saw no emergency exits or sprinkler system though must admit I did not do a detailed study, but it's bothered me since and I for one will never go in there again. One would hope that a topic like this being discussed here could have some positive effect; doubt that though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlyai Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Within the 12 years I have been here, I wonder if the firefighters have upgraded their equipment with all the tall condos and hotels that have mushroomed around here. Also, this is another reminder for us who live in tall structures to make sure the fire escapes are NOT blocked or locked and to think what we would do if there was a fire. It is not the fire that kills people, it is the black smoke full of chemicals that make people lose consciousness. Knowing how the city budgets (not) for various projects around here, they seem to neglect items such as this since it is not as glamorous as removing old trees in order to renovate the beach promenade There are 90 meters firefighting crane that can reach about 30 floors now, I know that Bangkok has a couple, I'm sure Pattaya could afford one, Pattaya's fire brigade do get called out to help industrial fires in the various factories and chemical plants in the eastern seaboard too, so I'm sure they're trained From what I understand, then, Pattaya asked for the cranes available in Bangkok, but (many different reports back then), they did not arrive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlyai Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 I used to go daily down the beach for my exercise, and was so superised that they didn't knock it down but re-built the insides. I bet if you go to that same hotel today, the fire escapes will still be locked. Every time I go to a hotel I check out the fire escapes. One (most) I stayed at in Bangkok had the escapes locked, so robbers and people with no where to stay can't get in. I was told, (been told this before), if there is a fire the manager on duty will unlock the fire escapes. I was also told if I don't like the fire escapes being locked, to go somewhere else. That same hotel is still doing business, it would still have the same death traps inside, and the responsible management/owners are probably still the same people. I would tread lightly investigating this one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farangyourmom Posted October 6, 2015 Author Share Posted October 6, 2015 The fire escapes were locked to stop people doing a runner from paying their bills. A week before, my company safety officer had attended a seminar there. So what was the outcome as regards that ?? Owners charged/convicted of Manslaughter ? My resarch shows they were charged with crimes but then the trail goes blank (ie. foreign media stopped reporting, no idea what actually happened to them). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlyai Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 The fire escapes were locked to stop people doing a runner from paying their bills. A week before, my company safety officer had attended a seminar there. So what was the outcome as regards that ?? Owners charged/convicted of Manslaughter ? My resarch shows they were charged with crimes but then the trail goes blank (ie. foreign media stopped reporting, no idea what actually happened to them). That's why I wrote, tread softly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joebrown Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 The fire escapes were locked to stop people doing a runner from paying their bills. A week before, my company safety officer had attended a seminar there. Reminds me of when the local fire officer and team came to my newly built/occupied condo about 3 years ago. The officer in charge didn't notice that in the meeting room the protective cover hadn't been removed from the smoke detector on the ceiling. Also, when I told him that about 70% of the fire doors from upstairs corridors to the fire escape couldn't be fully closed, he asked me whether I'd spoken to the developer about the problem. I explained that I'd been trying in vain for 6 months to get the work done, but he said I should keep trying! He flatly refused to speak directly to the developer to get the work done.. Despite the condo regulations banning the use of gas, the highlight, and much photographed part of the demonstration was about 30 minutes spent on showing the various ways of safely extinguishing a flame on a gas cylinder. What hope is there when these guys are supposed to save lives, when needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlyai Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 The fire escapes were locked to stop people doing a runner from paying their bills. A week before, my company safety officer had attended a seminar there. Reminds me of when the local fire officer and team came to my newly built/occupied condo about 3 years ago. The officer in charge didn't notice that in the meeting room the protective cover hadn't been removed from the smoke detector on the ceiling. Also, when I told him that about 70% of the fire doors from upstairs corridors to the fire escape couldn't be fully closed, he asked me whether I'd spoken to the developer about the problem. I explained that I'd been trying in vain for 6 months to get the work done, but he said I should keep trying! He flatly refused to speak directly to the developer to get the work done.. Despite the condo regulations banning the use of gas, the highlight, and much photographed part of the demonstration was about 30 minutes spent on showing the various ways of safely extinguishing a flame on a gas cylinder. What hope is there when these guys are supposed to save lives, when needed. 'What hope is there when these guys are supposed to save lives, when needed.' Simply, none. In Asia, always check out the fire escapes, to make sure you can get to the road, not just the first floor. Try and book a room on the first couple of floors, near a fire exit, preferably the front stairs, as the rear ones will probably be locked in the night time. The reality is that gas is used everywhere, notices or regulations are not a Thai strong point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louse1953 Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 The fire escapes were locked to stop people doing a runner from paying their bills. A week before, my company safety officer had attended a seminar there. I was on the beach,saw people jump from the upper floors.The sprinklers didn't work as the main stop valve was turned off.I was told this was to save money.Ok,don't pay the testing company that comes weekly but you can still leave the main stop valve on.If the vavle was on,nobody would have died,91 if my memory is correct Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlyai Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 The fire escapes were locked to stop people doing a runner from paying their bills. A week before, my company safety officer had attended a seminar there. I was on the beach,saw people jump from the upper floors.The sprinklers didn't work as the main stop valve was turned off.I was told this was to save money.Ok,don't pay the testing company that comes weekly but you can still leave the main stop valve on.If the vavle was on,nobody would have died,91 if my memory is correct That's why I am so dismayed, even to today, about this killing of people on vacation in a hotel. I flew over it in its early stages, then went down the beach and watched. I still can't believe so many people died in that fire. How can you have a low rise hotel like that, and have a fire, and 90 odd people die? Asian people do a great job of self-regulating, without much police involvement. You've only got to go to a market in Bangkok, to see everyone working and respecting each other. The ordinary Thai people were not to blame. How come a cook was held responsible initially? Really what did happen to the cold trail or the people responsible? It is just so sad. Reports at the time of low water pressure at the fire site, and fire engines refilling their trucks at other sites in Theprasit that shared the same water main line as those fighting the fire at the site. Maybe these reports were not true, but .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOTIRIOS Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 ....horror... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tropo Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 (edited) http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/hotel-blamed-as-fire-kills-78-at-thai-beach-resort-1250217.html From the report you posted: Firefighters siphoned water from the hotel pool to fight the blaze, which is thought to have caused at least $40m (pounds 24m) in damage. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh called Pattaya "Thailand's greatest source of evil." Bangkok has had a high number of hotel and department store fires in recent years. Fire safety experts in Thailand say many buildings don't meet basic safety standards. I wonder why they put that in there. Seemed out of place That was a totally weird placement of such a comment, out of context, in a dedicated paragraph. It's like the (female?) reporter felt that the incident was deserved. Edited October 6, 2015 by tropo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tropo Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 (edited) I still can't believe so many people died in that fire. How can you have a low rise hotel like that, and have a fire, and 90 odd people die? You must have missed these key facts: 1. All fire exits were locked (padlocked) to stop guests from leaving without paying their bills. (Police said many of the bodies were found near the locked emergency doors) The practice of locking emergency exit doors to prevent guests from leaving without paying their bills greatly increased the number of casualties. The locked emergency exits were observed by numerous witnesses, including a guest and employee of EGAT, who offered the following statement to Reuters. “We all ran for our lives to the fire exit so that we could take the stairway outside, but we found the door locked.” 2. There were no sprinklers in the hotel. 3. No fire alarms were heard. 4. It took 15 minutes before they managed to connect to the Pattaya Fire Department. It took over 30 minutes for the first emergency personnel to arrive, who lacked the appliances or equipment to reach people on the higher floors. This lock was obviously retrofitted. The hotel management made quite an effort to ensure guests couldn't escape. You'd wonder what was going on in the brains of hotel management when they welded those locks on. Perhaps they figured they could quickly find the keys if a fire started. Edited October 6, 2015 by tropo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlyai Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 It's been very quiet here on this thread. So how is your research going? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digbeth Posted October 22, 2015 Share Posted October 22, 2015 Went pass Na Jomtien Fire house near Ban Amphur yesterday, no big crane, so if any of those tall condos south of Jomtien needs firefighting crane, it would have to be driven out from Pattaya Third road.... horrifying if you think of the traffic to get out of Pattaya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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