CHONBURI, Sept 8 (TNA) – A massive fire transformed Pattaya floating market into a sea of flames, with authorities struggling for over three hours to contain the inferno, resulting in an estimated damage of nearly 100 million baht.
Police are now intensively investigating the cause of the fire.
The blaze erupted at the heart of Pattaya’s renowned tourist attraction, situated on Sukhumvit Road in Sattahip district.
The fire rapidly spread across an area spanning over 20 rai (approximately 8 acres), creating an intense blaze with flames and thick smoke billowing up into the sky.
In response, fire trucks from Pattaya city and neighboring municipalities, totaling more than 30 vehicles, along with over 300 personnel, were deployed to battle the blaze.
As the situation intensified, some workers and vendors attempted to salvage their goods but were largely unsuccessful. In desperation, a few people even had to jump into the water to escape the relentless heat.
It took nearly three hours for rescue teams to gain control of the situation.
Mr. Thawatchai Sritong, the Governor of Chonburi Province, and Mr. Poramet Ngampichet, the Mayor of Pattaya City, established an emergency command center and assessed the damage. It was found that more than 80% of the structures and buildings within the market were severely affected. One person was injured and had been rushed to hospital.
The estimated financial loss is close to 100 million baht. The hardest-hit areas were the numerous shops, restaurants, and massage parlors, with over 200 establishments affected.
The Four Regions Floating Market is a culturally rich Thai tourist destination, representing the traditional way of life of riverside communities from all four regions of Thailand and has been open since 2008. (TNA)
