In the peaceful hours of early Tuesday morning, a sudden blaze broke the stillness in Chiang Mai, engulfing and ultimately demolishing a beloved wooden homestay that doubled as a known filming location. The conflagration at Doolaylay, a celebrated homestay, was documented through a gripping video posted on the Mae Daet Subdistrict Royal Thai Police (RTP) Cyber Village Facebook page. This clip captured the valiant efforts of police officers, rescue workers, and firefighters who endeavored tirelessly to combat the flames that consumed the cherished site.
The fire ignited around 2:20 a.m. on June 3, swiftly devouring the entire timber structure, much to the dismay of the local community and frequent visitors. Investigators are currently delving into the origins of this devastating fire. Despite their strenuous attempts to douse the blaze, officials remarked that the wooden construct’s highly flammable nature tragically facilitated the fire’s rapid spread.
Meanwhile, Thitiphan “Ohm” Kingphetcharat, the resilient owner of Doolaylay, took to social media on the homestay’s official Facebook page to express his heartfelt gratitude toward former guests for their unwavering support and encouragement during such trying times. Ohm was quick to reassure all that both his family and their beloved pets were safe, undeterred by the devastation. Unyielding in the face of adversity, he vowed that Doolaylay would rise again, acknowledging that the journey back to normalcy would not be an easy one.
Amid the ashes, a poignant photograph surfaced on Facebook, featuring Ohm standing amidst the ruins with a resolute smile, a testament to his steadfast spirit. He also reassured those with pending reservations, urging them to await further communication as he diligently works through inquiries and concerns.
A haven for backpackers, Doolaylay was nestled in the verdant beauty of Mae Daet sub-district, in the Kanlayaniwattana district of Chiang Mai province. With its woodsy charm amplified by its feature in the Thai romantic comedy “Low Season,” it wasn’t just a place to stay, but a sanctuary for soulful connection. Visitors were encouraged to mingle, share tales around a crackling campfire, and forge lasting friendships. In the past, Ohm had shared with media outlets that though Doolaylay was originally meant to be his dream home, its organic transformation into a welcoming refuge for all was a joyous evolution.
Ploypailin “Ploy” Thangprapaporn, a lead actress from “Low Season” and beloved YouTuber known as Pigkaploy, expressed her sentiments of loss over the site of many cherished memories. Heartfelt in her support for Ohm and his family, she invited those mourning the loss of Doolaylay to relive its warm ambiance by watching “Low Season” on Netflix.
As the heartbreaking story of Doolaylay unfolds, it reminds us all of the resilience embedded in human nature. With the embers of Doolaylay still smoldering, plans for its rebirth glimmer with hope, as Ohm and his supporters look toward a future where Doolaylay thrives once again, continuing its legacy of connection and community amid the spectacular beauty of the Thai countryside.
What a tragedy! Doolaylay was such a charming place with a unique spirit. I hope Ohm can rebuild it soon.
Absolutely, Emily. I stayed there last year and the hospitality was unmatched. We should start a fundraiser to help them rebuild.
I’ve already seen some crowdfunding campaigns popping up. It’s wonderful how the community is coming together.
On the flip side, rebuilding will likely impact the environment negatively. Wooden structures are fire hazards.
I’m devastated for Ohm and Ploy. They brought such warmth to the place. Is it weird that I feel this emotional over a building?
Let’s be real, you’re emotional over the actors, not the building. Places come and go, but their memories stay alive.
I think it’s more than that, Simon. Several of us have experienced personal growth in places like Doolaylay.
Also, watch ‘Low Season’ again! Ploy is superb and it’ll keep the memories alive.
I live nearby and honestly, the community effort has been uplifting. This is more than just a building for many of us.
I agree. The outpouring has been amazing to witness. It’s such a closely-knit community here.
Realistically speaking, was there any fire safety measures in place? It seems risky to rebuild without them.
Wooden structures need to go. The environment can’t handle the extra demand for resources after such fires.
While I agree to an extent, eco-friendly alternatives for wood exist. Let’s focus on sustainable rebuilding.
Ohm’s positivity in rebuilding is inspiring. Let’s watch how he transforms this tragedy into something beautiful again.
I hope he turns it into something even more spectacular. Maybe a mix of wood and metal for safety?
Great idea, Helen! Mixed materials could offer safety without losing the charm.
Romanticizing a fire isn’t helpful. What about the carbon emissions and wildlife impacted by the fire?
The mental health benefits of Doolaylay for its guests can’t be ignored. It was a sanctuary for many.
Let’s not over-romanticize it. It’s just a place, albeit a lovely one.
It’s more than just a place, Simon. It’s the connections and experiences that count.
Doolaylay should live on as an art commune. Let it inspire future creators as it did while it stood.
I’ve visited many times, and it’s heartbreaking. I know Ohm will bounce back stronger.
I just hope the rebuilding efforts consider the environmental impact. We need more green buildings.
Does anyone know if people were injured? I hope all were safe.
According to local reports, thankfully no one was injured. Just a lot of heartbreak.
This is why I always prefer camping. Fires can happen anywhere but in nature, they’re less constrained.
I’ll be waiting for Doolaylay to reopen. It holds a special place in my heart.