Bangkok: Forensic investigators are examining the scene of the fire at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Initial findings indicate nearly 50 shops were damaged. Market vendors expressed concern and requested a review of the electrical system, citing repeated incidents. They are fortunate to have insurance coverage.
According to Thai News Agency, around 10 PM on February 9th, a fire broke out at Chatuchak Weekend Market, Gate 1, on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Bangkok. More than 10 fire trucks were dispatched to the scene to extinguish the blaze, but it burned fiercely due to the presence of clothing in the shops, which served as excellent fuel. It took over 20 minutes to bring the fire under control.
Police investigators have determined that nearly 50 shops were damaged. This morning (February 10th), investigators surveyed the damage and set up a table at the Chatuchak Weekend Market command center to interview witnesses and shop owners affected by last night's fire. Initially, 48 shops, covering an area of over 200 square meters in Project 17, were affected.
Regarding last night's incident, it occurred at a woven bag shop in Project 17, Soi 9/4. The shop where the fire originated was quite far from the area where the electrical short occurred on February 8th. Fires in the Chatuchak Weekend Market stalls are often caused by damaged electrical wiring or electrical faults. This matter requires a thorough investigation because if this is indeed the cause, the electrical system will need to be overhauled to prevent similar incidents in the long term. Otherwise, incidents like those in the past will recur.
Mr. Sorachai Towanichkul, Acting Director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Market Office, stated that for the Chatuchak Weekend Market project, the BMA has insurance for the entire structure. However, the assets of the vendors themselves are the responsibility for insurance coverage, even for valuable assets, which they must purchase themselves.
Business owners are urging a complete overhaul of the electrical system. A vendor who has sold Benjarong ceramics at Chatuchak Weekend Market for over 20 years said that her shop had never been affected by fires before, but she took precautions by purchasing insurance because her goods are of high value. However, this time, the fire was too late, causing damages exceeding 1 million baht. Regarding the fire at Chatuchak Weekend Market, which many believe was caused by the electrical system, she admitted to being concerned because the market was constructed a long time ago. She personally wants the electrical system to be rebuilt to prevent future fire problems.