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Devastating Trok Pho Fire in Yaowarat Displaces Hundreds and Injures 30

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Trok Pho community in Yaowarat is on fire late Saturday night. (Photo: Warunwipa Kasempongpanit)

A fire that roared through a packed community in Yaowarat, Bangkok’s vibrant and bustling Chinatown, was brought under control late Saturday night. Miraculously, there were no fatalities, though 30 individuals required medical treatment. The blaze began in the Trok Pho community on Yaowarat Road in Samphanthawong district around 8:42 pm on Saturday evening. This long-standing 3,200-square-metre community, dotted with about 30 wooden houses, found itself engulfed in flames.

The response was swift but intense. Approximately 40 fire engines were deployed to battle the inferno. After several hours of relentless effort, firefighters declared the fire under control at 11:16 pm. The fire not only wreaked havoc on the community but also damaged parts of the seven-story New Empire Hotel. Thanks to the quick thinking and skill of firefighters, guests were safely rescued using the hydraulic lift of a fire engine.

Interestingly, despite the ferocity of the blaze, there were no fatalities reported. About 30 individuals were injured, the majority being senior citizens who suffered from smoke inhalation. The authorities acted promptly, temporarily closing a section of Yaowarat Road—from Chaloem Buri intersection to Odeon roundabout—to ensure public safety as firefighters continued to douse the smoldering embers.

In total, about 280 residents were affected and sought various forms of assistance. Many took refuge in nearby temples, such as Wat Chai Chana Songkhram, Wat Samphanthawong, and Wat Traimit. Most of those displaced were workers from other provinces or neighboring countries, adding another layer of human interest to this unfortunate event.

(Video: Warunwipa Kasempongpanit)

35 Comments

  1. Tom_Line July 7, 2024

    It’s shocking that such a massive fire could happen in such a bustling area. Where were the safety regulations?

    • Sophie_Mehta July 7, 2024

      Tom, you raise a good point. However, I read somewhere that the buildings in Trok Pho are really old and made mostly of wood. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.

      • Tom_Line July 7, 2024

        Sophie, exactly! Which is why there should be even stricter safety protocols in place. It’s the city’s responsibility.

      • oldtimer47 July 7, 2024

        But enforcing regulations in older, densely-populated areas isn’t simple. The residents and local businesses also have a responsibility to adhere to safety standards.

    • GreenDragon July 7, 2024

      Sounds like a ploy to redevelop the area. Fires like these are suspicious when prime real estate is involved.

      • Tina.S July 7, 2024

        GreenDragon, that’s a bold claim. People did lose their homes and belongings!

      • Tom_Line July 7, 2024

        Tina.S, it’s not unheard of for prime locations to suffer mysterious ‘accidents’.

  2. Elaine July 7, 2024

    I’m just relieved there were no fatalities. The firefighters did an amazing job rescuing everyone, especially the elderly.

    • Realist83 July 7, 2024

      True, but let’s not forget the 30 who were injured. Could this have been prevented?

    • Elaine July 7, 2024

      Realist83, we should be grateful for small mercies. Things could have been much worse.

    • RiskyBiscuit July 7, 2024

      I agree with Elaine. Given the circumstances, the outcome could have been a lot more tragic.

  3. Larry Davis July 7, 2024

    This tragedy highlights the need for modern infrastructure in older communities. Investment in fire safety mechanisms can save lives.

    • mary_jane July 7, 2024

      Larry, easier said than done. Modernizing old communities isn’t cheap, especially in a city as packed as Bangkok.

    • Larry D July 7, 2024

      mary_jane, it’s a matter of priorities. Human lives should come first, regardless of costs.

    • jack_the_ripper July 7, 2024

      True, but when have governments ever put human lives above money?

  4. Johnny July 7, 2024

    Imagine losing your home and possessions in a single night. The thought alone breaks my heart.

    • city_slicker July 7, 2024

      Absolutely, Johnny. It’s easy to forget about the human impact in the midst of statistics and reports.

    • Johnny July 7, 2024

      city_slicker, right? We need to support the affected community during this tough time.

    • melissa_rose July 7, 2024

      Temporary shelters like temples can only do so much. What’s the plan for long-term rehabilitation?

    • city_slicker July 7, 2024

      melissa_rose, there’s talk about setting up a fund for reconstruction but nothing solid yet.

  5. SKEPTIC July 7, 2024

    It’s suspicious how no one died. Not that I’m complaining, but given the scale, it’s almost like they knew it would happen.

    • TigerLily July 7, 2024

      SKEPTIC, are you suggesting some sort of conspiracy? People were injured and lost their homes!

    • SKEPTIC July 7, 2024

      TigerLily, I’m just saying it’s unusual. Fires like these usually have higher casualties.

    • RationalThinker July 7, 2024

      SKEPTIC, maybe it was the swift response of the firefighters that prevented any fatalities. We should thank them.

  6. Perry Winkle July 7, 2024

    The resilience of the Trok Pho community is remarkable. They’re already trying to rebuild and move forward.

    • Ravi July 7, 2024

      Absolutely, Perry. Tragedy often brings out the best in people. The sense of community is vital for recovery.

  7. QuickSilver July 7, 2024

    This should be a wake-up call for other densely-populated areas. Fire safety should be a top priority.

    • Yasmine July 7, 2024

      QuickSilver, that’s easier said than done. We need actionable steps and commitment from both the community and the authorities.

  8. Sunshine July 7, 2024

    It’s truly touching to see the local temples opening their doors to those affected. Community spirit is alive and well.

  9. IronFist69 July 7, 2024

    Temporary measures aren’t enough. The government needs to step up and provide more substantial aid.

    • Sunshine July 7, 2024

      IronFist69, agreed. It’s not just about immediate relief but ensuring long-term support and rebuilding.

    • IronFist69 July 7, 2024

      Exactly, Sunshine. The government’s role is crucial in situations like this. They need a robust plan.

    • Watcher01 July 7, 2024

      Governments are often slow to act. Maybe local NGOs and international aid could fill the gap.

  10. Curie July 7, 2024

    This is a classic example of infrastructural neglect. Fire safety needs to be more than an afterthought.

  11. Nora78 July 7, 2024

    The images are heart-wrenching. I hope the authorities will investigate the cause and prevent such tragedies in the future.

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