Bangkok: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is moving forward with efforts to resolve the "Khlong Thom Center" incident, while simultaneously caring for those affected and restoring the surrounding area. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chatchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, revealed the progress of the large fire inside the Khlong Thom Center shopping mall, stating that Bangkok continues to monitor the situation and control the area. Last night, three hotspots were detected, but the temperatures were not very high. Overall, the situation is improving gradually and is expected to return to normal soon.

Currently, the BMA is prioritizing the assessment of the safety of the area and surrounding buildings, especially the buildings in the rear, to determine which areas can be reopened. The BMA has also assigned district offices to monitor and survey the damage in order to expedite restoration and allow residents to return to normal life as quickly as possible.

The BMA has opened a One-Stop Service point at the pavilion of Wat Phra Phiren to register those affected and collect information for coordinating assistance. Currently, affected individuals have begun to come forward, including those with vehicles stranded inside the building. Initial estimates put the number of vehicles at around eight, but the exact number is still being verified.

Regarding compensation for damages, the BMA will gather information and coordinate with relevant agencies, insurance companies, and building owners to ensure that those affected receive assistance according to the established procedures.

Governor Chatchart mentioned that district offices have been instructed to survey surrounding areas, including vacant land and commercial spaces, that could accommodate entrepreneurs affected by the situation and wishing to resume their businesses. This is to alleviate their hardship while their original locations are unusable.

For residential areas behind the BMA, damage assessments are being conducted on a case-by-case basis. Initially, the main affected areas are around Khlong Thom Center and approximately 8-9 shophouses in the Sai Thong building.

Regarding air quality, Bangkok continues to deploy mobile air quality monitoring units to track the situation in surrounding areas, especially along wind directions. While initial levels of PM2.5 and PM10 were high, the situation has steadily improved, and no concerning levels of toxic gases have been detected.

To investigate the cause of the fire, the BMA has coordinated with forensic officers to inspect the area. Initially, it is believed the fire originated in Block 5, or Zone C, approximately 20 meters in. However, the collapse of the second-floor structure onto the first floor necessitates careful examination of the site.

The BMA has coordinated with the Public Works Department and related agencies to assess the safety of the structure before allowing officials to begin work. The inspection will utilize physical evidence, witness testimonies, and circumstantial evidence. Once the fire is completely brought under control and the official inspection is finished, the BMA will cordon off the hazardous area and hand over the responsibility for building demolition to the building owner according to procedure. The situation will continue to be closely monitored, with efforts to expedite security measures, restore the surrounding areas, and coordinate assistance for those affected, so that the area can return to normal as quickly as possible.