A devastating fire swept through a densely populated area in Yaowarat, the heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown, late Saturday night but was successfully contained.
Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported, though 30 individuals required medical attention following the incident.
The fire erupted around 8:42pm within the Trok Pho community located on Yaowarat Road in the Samphanthawong district. This historic community, covering an area of 3,200 square meters, is known for its closely packed wooden structures, totaling about 30 homes.
To combat the blaze, authorities dispatched approximately 40 fire engines to the scene. After strenuous efforts, firefighters managed to bring the fire under control by 11:16pm.
The conflagration also inflicted damage on the nearby seven-story New Empire Hotel. Firefighting teams executed a dramatic rescue of the hotel guests, employing a hydraulic hoist from one of the fire engines to ensure everyone was safely evacuated.
Injuries were reported among approximately 30 people, primarily older adults who suffered from smoke inhalation. Thankfully, there were no deaths associated with this event.
For safety reasons, a section of Yaowarat Road was temporarily closed—from the Chaloem Buri intersection to the Odeon roundabout—as firefighters worked to extinguish the remaining embers.
The incident impacted around 280 residents, many of whom sought refuge in local temples such as Wat Chai Chana Songkhram, Wat Samphanthawong, and Wat Traimit.
The majority of those affected were workers from other provinces and neighboring countries, highlighting the transient nature of the community.
