British man accused of setting fire to hotel in Chiang Mai

A British man last night was accused of starting a fire at The Y Smart Hotel in Chiang Mai after having a heated argument with a receptionist. Fortunately, six Thai and foreign guests were rescued from the building unharmed.

The fire broke out at 12.10am at The Y Smart Hotel on Kaeo Nawarat Soi 5 Road in the Wat Kate sub-district near Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2 or Arcade Bus Terminal.

Six people, both foreign and Thai, were trapped on the third floor of the building. They moved to their balconies and waited for help. Firefighters from Chiang Mai Provincial Disaster Preventions and Mitigation Department quickly arrived on the scene and managed to extinguish the fire in 30 minutes and rescue the six trapped victims. All of them were reported unharmed.

According to the rescue team, the fire started in room number 203 on the second floor. The receptionist on duty, Sahasawat, stated that the room was rented by a 27 year old British man who was staying alone in the hotel.

Sahasawat further reported that the man argued with him at the reception counter around 10pm, although the details of the issue were not disclosed. As the man was intimidating, Sahasawat fled from the counter and hid from him. Then, the British guest returned to his room, packed his belongings, and left the hotel before the fire broke out.

Sahasawat returned to his duty and bought towels for the guests on the third floor. While walking past the second floor, he noticed a lot of smoke coming out of room 203. Upon investigation, he discovered the room was dark and filled with smoke.

Unfortunately, the second floor of the hotel was destroyed by the blaze, and the amount of loss is currently under investigation.

Officers from Mae Ping Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station are searching for the British man for further questioning.