8-9-2023 (BANGKOK) A devastating fire broke out at the famous Pattaya Floating Market in Bang Lamung district on Thursday night, destroying a section of the tourist attraction that showcased traditional products from all four regions of Thailand.
The fire started at around 8pm and quickly spread due to the largely wooden structures and thatched roofs of the market’s shops. Witnesses reported hearing the sound of exploding gas cylinders as the flames engulfed the market.
A fire broke out at the #Pattaya Floating Market around 8 p.m.
Vid via Fire & Rescue Thailand on Facebook#Thailand #พัทยา #ไฟไหม้ #ตลาดน้ำ4ภาค pic.twitter.com/znERylqxVw
— Thai Enquirer (@ThaiEnquirer) September 7, 2023
Emergency services were quick to respond, with 27 fire trucks and over 200 firefighters from Pattaya city and surrounding areas being dispatched to combat the blaze. It took several hours to bring the fire under control, with the flames finally being extinguished at around 10am on Friday morning.
The fire caused significant damage to numerous shops and structures on one of the market’s 19-rai (14,400-square-metre) land plots. Thankfully, there were no fatalities reported, although one firefighter suffered minor burns and was admitted to a hospital.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and officials are working to assess the full extent of the damage.
In the aftermath of the disaster, a relief centre has been set up to help those affected by the fire. The Pattaya Floating Market, also known as the Four Regions Water Market, has been a popular tourist destination since its opening on November 1, 2008. The market features a variety of shops, souvenirs, and food stalls that showcase the arts, cultures, and ways of life of people living along rivers throughout Thailand.
Before the fire, the market was home to over 200 shops, making it a significant source of income for the local community. The estimated damage from the fire is estimated to be between 50 million and 60 million baht.
