Bangkok fire leaves elderly man injured, son suspected of arson
A devastating fire engulfed a community in the heart of Bangkok, leaving a 73 year old man trapped and injured. Eyewitnesses suspect the homeowner’s son, who was seen watching the blaze, of starting the fire. Police later detained him.
The blaze broke out yesterday, January 5, at 8.20pm in a residential area within Soi Bang Khae 14, on Bang Khae-Bang Bon Road, Bang Khae district, Bangkok. The report was received by Yanapol Polyeum, Police Lieutenant Colonel and Investigator at Phetkasem Police Station.
He, along with Pramote Chanboonkaew, the station’s superintendent, and the Bang Khae Fire Station, responded promptly. Rescue volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation also assisted in the operation.
Upon arrival, the police found a densely packed community known as Nong Yai, consisting of two-storey wooden houses closely built together and divided into rental rooms. Intense flames and thick smoke were billowing from the structures, rapidly spreading to adjacent buildings.
Firefighters and volunteers worked tirelessly, using water to contain the inferno, which took nearly an hour to bring under control.
The aftermath of the fire revealed seven homes severely damaged. Among the injured was a man around 74 years old, who suffered burns on his hands. He received first aid from volunteers before being rushed to Rajapipat Hospital for further treatment.
Witness accounts suggest that the homeowner’s son, reportedly of unstable mental health, may have intentionally set the fire. After igniting the blaze, he allegedly stood by and watched as the situation unfolded. Police apprehended him for questioning shortly thereafter, said one witness.
“He just stood there, watching as if he was admiring his work.”
Pramote addressed the affected residents and victims of the fire, offering support and temporary shelter. The local officials assured assistance in the form of relief and interim housing. Investigators have reached out to forensic experts to examine the site today to determine the precise cause of the fire, reported KhaoSod.
In response to the immediate needs of displaced residents, Bang Khae District Office has arranged temporary accommodation at Khlong Nong Yai School.
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