Child set off firecrackers under bridge, causing 1 million baht in damage

Thailand’s Ministry of Transport is seeking around 1 million baht in compensation from the parents of a child after firecrackers were set off that damaged Bhumibol 2 Bridge.

The fire broke out at a pier of the Bhumibol 2 Bridge in Phra Pradaeng district, Samut Prakan, on the evening of January 15. The blaze spread to a drainage pipe and later reached part of the bridge beam, which stands approximately 50 metres above the ground.

Officials from the Department of Rural Roads, under the Ministry of Transport, coordinated with firefighting teams to respond to the incident. Fire engines equipped with aerial platforms were deployed, and the fire was brought under control after about one hour.

Following the incident, rumours circulated widely on social media regarding both the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage.

Online posts claimed that a child aged between 10 and 12 had set off firecrackers beneath the bridge, resulting in severe structural damage. Some reports also alleged that the child was taken into police custody and that the parents would be required to pay compensation of up to 15 million baht.

The Department of Rural Roads later denied these claims. In an interview with Channel 7, officials clarified that the estimated damage was around 1 million baht and that the bridge structure suffered only minor effects from the fire.

The department confirmed that the fire was indeed caused by firecrackers set off by a child, as shown in images and videos shared online.

A formal complaint was already filed against the child and the parents. Officials stated that if the family is unable to pay the compensation, the matter will be forwarded to court for further legal proceedings.

Officers from Samrong Tai Police Station told the media that no criminal charges have yet been filed against the child due to the suspect’s minor status. Police only recorded the incident and did not disclosed further legal steps at this stage.

In a related case involving minors, three boys aged between nine and 15 were taken into custody on attempted murder charges after setting a homeless man on fire in Bangkok.

The victim later revealed that he had been bullied by the group for some time before the attack and insisted that he had never had any conflict with the children. Local residents also confirmed that the homeless man had never caused trouble in the community.