Work at Klongthom Center fire scene continues
Heat and combustible materials continued to pose risks inside the partly collapsed Klongthom Center building in Bangkok on Saturday after a massive fire on Friday night, with the blaze largely under control but officials warning of potentially toxic smoke.
The Klongthom Center in Bangkok, a popular market with 300 stalls run by 100 businesses, was severely damaged by a fire on Friday night. The blaze began at 8:42 PM and the building collapsed at 10:16 PM, bringing the fire under control by 11:13 PM. Toxic smoke and hazardous particulate matter posed serious risks to the surrounding area.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt inspected the scene on Saturday, noting the collapsed structure prevented firefighters from accessing the source of the blaze and directing water effectively. Initial air-quality tests found no concerning gas levels, but smoke and dust remained hazardous, with particulate matter (PM2.5) levels measured at 630 micrograms per cubic meter - extremely hazardous compared to Thailand's national standard of 37.5 μg/m³.
Those near the site were advised to wear protective masks, especially N95 masks, and vulnerable groups took extra precautions. The fire affected nearby commercial buildings, including an 88-room dormitory and a warehouse, with at least 70 businesses registering claims for damage. The fire zone was designated by police due to potentially vulnerable goods.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who inspected the damaged site, acknowledged the economic challenges businesses faced and stated that the decision to revive Klongthom Center would depend on further discussions.
Written by urgent.news from Bangkok Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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