3-12-2024 (BANGKOK) A once-iconic hotel on the Thai island of Koh Chang, known locally as the “abandoned ship hotel,” has been consumed by an unstoppable inferno that broke out Tuesday morning, with firefighters predicting the structure will continue to burn for up to three days.
The former Grand Laguna Hotel, a popular photography destination for tourists visiting the island in Trat province, erupted into flames at approximately 11:50 am local time. The fire, fanned by strong coastal winds, quickly overwhelmed the building’s wooden structure, rendering firefighting efforts largely futile.
Koh Chang Police Chief, Police Colonel Wallop Klangwanthip, reported that the blaze originated at the rear of the property before rapidly engulfing the entire structure. A team of roughly 50 firefighters, mobilised through a coordinated effort between local authorities and the Koh Chang Tai subdistrict mayor Jakkrit Salakphet, could only focus on containing the spread of the fire.
“The combination of the building’s wooden construction and powerful sea breezes created conditions that made the fire practically impossible to control,” explained officials from the Mu Koh Chang National Marine Park, who assisted in the response effort.
The Grand Laguna Hotel, which opened its doors in 1992, enjoyed considerable success before falling into decline. The property’s owner, Olan Assavaritthikul, eventually ceased operations and listed the hotel for sale at 1 billion baht (approximately £22 million), though no buyers emerged.
Local authorities are currently attempting to contact Assavaritthikul to assess the extent of damages to the five-storey structure. As investigations continue, the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
