Fire rips through Patong stalls

PATONG: A fire raged through a collection of vendors’ stalls near Ocean Plaza on Thaweewong Rd early on Saturday morning, causing damage estimated at 20 million baht. Firefighters took about one hour to put out the fire. Pol Col Paween Pongsirin, superintendent of Kathu Police Station, told the Gazette that no one was hurt in the blaze. The forensic science inspector of Phuket province, Pol Capt Thanapong Morktong, said that the fire started in a souvenir stall. The cause has not yet been identified, but an electrical short circuit is thought to have been the most likely culprit, he said. “The blaze spread quickly to 30 other stalls because of high winds. The items for sale – clothes, bags, suitcases, leather and handmade products – made good fuel as well,” Capt Thanapong explained. “I don’t think the fire was caused by arson, as we have found no evidence of this,” he added. The investigation will be complete in about five days, said Capt Thanapong.