Fires at Pratunam, Bangkok

Fire raged out in the early morning today, 2nd August 2019, in the Pratunam area of Bangkok. Reports to the Praram Command Centre 199 had been made when a fire broke out in a single-storey building named DD House on Soi Petchburi 19. 

Police suspect to have found evidence that may be related to the bombing incidents that took place today according to sources from The Nation, though nothing has been confirmed at the time of writing. 

Here’s a rundown of events based on information we know so far:

First fire occurs at around 5.18am

The fire broke out within a warehouse hosting businesses including gift shops and retail stalls at around 5.18am. The area of damage covers approximately 500 sqm. Cause of fire is believed to be a short circuit in the electrical control panel. Firefighters successfully put out the fire after 30 minutes with no casualties, reports Sanook and CH7 News.

Another fire breaks out at the same time

Another report received by the Praram Command Centre 199 at the same time was of a fire along a building at Ratchaprarop road, with damage taking up approximately 20 sqm of space. According to Sanook, initial speculations claim that the cause is due to a short circuit in the air conditioner. No casualties have been reported. 

2 more fires shortly after

Receiving the report at 5.38am, the Praram Command Centre 199 put out the third fire at a 17-storey building used as a residence and retail space near Soi Ratchaprarop 1, reports Thai PBS.

The cause of fire can be traced to the first floor of a retail store, where damages to apparels took up an approximate 1sqm of space. Initial speculations fail to trace the cause of the fire. No casualties have been reported here as well.

A fourth fire was then reported to have taken place near Chalermlarp Market, also near the Pratunam area.

Cause of the fires still under investigation

fire at pratunam friday

Image credit: @svienfalk

Naewna reports that following the fires, the investigation team from Phaya Thai Police Station, along with forensics and the EOD has grounded off the area. Initial reports say that the officers believe the incidents were created to cause disturbances rather than with intentions to injure or kill. 

CCTV monitoring is underway to help with the investigations.

Cover image adapted from: @georgebkk, @svienfalk 

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