On the evening of September 7, 2023, a devastating fire engulfed the renowned “Floating Market 4 Regions” in Village No. 12, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. The Nong Prue Police Station received the distressing call at 8:00 p.m., prompting an immediate response from authorities. Collaborating closely with the Pattaya City Fire Center and Sawang Boriboon Foundation Rescue Unit, efforts were hastened to assess and combat the dire situation.
The scene of this calamity was the captivating tourist attraction situated along Sukhumvit Road, inbound of Sattahip District, sprawling over an area exceeding 20 rai. The fire raged ferociously, reducing the buildings to a fiery inferno, with flames and billowing smoke visible from a considerable distance. Over 30 fire trucks from Pattaya City and nearby districts, staffed by over 100 dedicated personnel, valiantly attempted to douse the blaze. However, the intensity of the fire, fueled by the predominance of wooden structures, thwarted initial containment efforts. The fire’s voracious spread spanned nearly 200 meters in radius, leaving some individuals, including employees and merchants, with no choice but to leap into the water to escape the searing heat.
The situation took an even more perilous turn when a gas leak was discovered, resulting in a large flame eruption. Nearly three hours elapsed before the fire could be brought under control, and thorough water-spraying continued to prevent rekindling.
Subsequently, Mr. Thawatchai Srithong, Governor of Chonburi Province, along with Mr. Phisit Sirisawadinukul, Bang Lamung District Chief, Mr. Pramet Ngamphichet, Mayor of Pattaya City, and various heads of government departments convened an incident management and command center. Preliminary findings revealed that the conflagration had consumed more than 80 percent of the buildings, and one person suffered burns and injuries, necessitating transport to Pattaya City Hospital.
Governor Thawatchai Srithong conveyed that the initial reports indicated fires at four separate floating markets, spreading rapidly due to the prevalence of wooden structures with thatched roofs. Approximately one rai of the 19-rai market area, primarily consisting of restaurants and shops perched on the water’s edge, was razed. The precise cause of the fire remained elusive, with authorities focused on containment and prevention of its spread to nearby residences. Further investigations into the fire’s origin were imminent.
The Pattaya Floating Market, a cherished eco-tourism destination showcasing Thai arts and culture, faithfully representing the lifestyles of people from all four regions of Thailand, was established in 2008. It had garnered immense popularity among both Thai and foreign tourists. Housing over 200 Thai restaurants, massage shops, and a variety of product vendors, the market endured substantial damage, with preliminary estimates indicating losses approaching one hundred million baht.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened safety measures and vigilance, as the community comes to terms with the losses incurred. Authorities are diligently working to uncover the precise cause of the fire while pledging support for the affected merchants and businesses in their journey towards recovery.
Author: Editorial Staff
Provider of news and content to Heaven is Hua Hin
