Surin fire leaves couple homeless, losses over 2.5 million baht
A devastating fire engulfed the home of a couple, 59 year old Yom Boonchure, and 62 year old Yee Thongmak, in Ban Sanuan, Surin province, destroying their possessions, including cash, gold, and silk, amounting to over 2.5 million baht. Yesterday, December 23, locals gathered to offer support, with efforts underway to salvage partially burnt banknotes.
On the morning of December 21, a fire broke out, reducing to ashes an old elevated wooden house and a newer two-storey mixed-material house belonging to the couple. The loss included cash exceeding 500,000 baht (US$14,640), savings jar money, silk fabrics, and a one-baht gold necklace. The financial impact was initially assessed at over 2.5 million baht (US$73,205).
Yesterday, December 23, as reporters revisited the scene, the community’s support was evident. Many locals turned up to console the couple.
Pishet Chaiwiang, the village head, compiled an inventory of the losses, confirming that the damaged cash, gold necklace, and various banknotes had a combined value of at least 500,000 baht (US$14,640).
The couple had originally saved around 700,000 baht (US$20,490) but had used over 100,000 baht (US$2,930) as a down payment on a tractor, leaving them with the 500,000 baht (US$14,640) that was partially lost to the fire. In their panic during the fire, they initially estimated the cash loss at 900,000 baht (US$26,330).
Among the burnt cash, it is assumed that approximately 350,000 baht (US$10,240) in thousand-baht notes were damaged. The couple plans to exchange the damaged notes at the bank, although the exact amount recoverable remains uncertain. They intend to use any recovered funds for rebuilding their home.
Donations have been pouring in from kind-hearted individuals nationwide. Two bank accounts have been set up to facilitate contributions.
The first is a savings account at the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, Kab Cheong branch, under the name Yee Thongmak, account number 01 826 201 8984, which has amassed over 4,000 baht (US$117).
The second account, also at the same bank branch, is under Yom Boonchure, account number 020141158572, with funds amounting to over 22,000 baht (US$645). Together, these accounts have received donations exceeding 26,000 baht (US$760), although initial balances of around 4,000 baht (US$117) were already present in each account.
In the wake of this tragedy, the couple was overwhelmed with emotion, expressing their distress over the loss of their two homes, cash, and gold, which they couldn’t save in time. Their lifetime savings have been obliterated. Later today, Suttichote, the district chief of Kab Cheong, is expected to visit and provide immediate relief items to the couple, reported KhaoSod.
For those wishing to contribute towards rebuilding the couple’s home, donations can be made to the mentioned bank accounts, or further information can be sought by contacting Pishet Chaiwiang, the village head, at 093-696-3880.
