Khlong Thom fire leaves trader facing millions in losses

A fire at the Khlong Thom Centre in Bangkok on August 28 destroyed a shop owned by 32-year-old Wiyaporn, leaving her with millions in losses. The fire started on the first floor and quickly spread to two of the centre's three-storey buildings, injuring nine people before being brought under control the next day. Smoke was detected again on August 31, prompting continued monitoring by firefighters and officials due to heat, structural risks, and toxic residue.

Wiyaporn's business, which sold automotive accessories and car decoration parts, lost all products and her stored money. With her family previously operating two shop units, she had recently signed a four-year rental agreement. She questioned the fire safety measures at the centre, noting the absence of sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers installed at designated points. She remembered three prior fires at the site, with the most recent occurring in 2017.

Wiyaporn, who had lived at Khlong Thom her entire life, emphasized the shop's historical significance for many families. She did not have fire insurance and called for increased government compensation, criticizing the proposed 20,000 baht amount per affected shop as insufficient to cover the true economic and emotional impact. The government has not yet officially announced the compensation amount.