BANGKOK, Thailand – Police have found no evidence so far to support speculation that the major fire at Khlong Thom Center on Worachak Road was deliberately started as part of a plot to force vendors from the area. Pol. Maj. Gen. Chaikrit Pho-a, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 6, inspected the fire scene on Aug. 30 and said police were continuing to secure the area, protect victims’ property and interview witnesses.
Authorities have determined that the building remains unsafe to enter. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration engineering officials and the Royal Thai Police’s forensic officers are scheduled to conduct a formal inspection of the scene at 8 a.m. on Aug. 31 to determine the cause of the fire.
Police have maintained a 24-hour security presence around the site following orders from the national police chief and Metropolitan Police chief. The area has been cordoned off after Bangkok authorities declared it a restricted zone due to the fire and safety concerns.
Worachak Road in front of Khlong Thom will also be closed on Aug. 31 to allow officials to carry out their work. Traffic police will be stationed at surrounding intersections, including along Luang and Charoen Krung roads, to manage traffic and assist motorists. Police apologized for the inconvenience.
Asked about claims that the fire may have been deliberately started to force businesses out, Chaikrit said investigators had found no clues pointing to such a motive. Police also found no reports from affected stall operators of previous disputes or conflicts that might be linked to the fire. Investigators have so far questioned nearly 100 witnesses and victims. Most statements have concerned damaged property, merchandise and vehicles.
Witnesses interviewed by police have given broadly consistent accounts of the moments before the fire spread. They reported seeing heavy smoke coming from the central section of the complex before discovering flames and attempting to fight the fire with extinguishers. However, the fire spread too rapidly for them to bring it under control. Police said the exact origin and cause of the blaze could not yet be determined and that investigators would have to wait for the formal forensic examination.
The Aug. 31 inspection is expected to provide investigators with further evidence needed to establish how the fire started and whether any criminal action was involved. If you want, I can also make this more Pattaya Mail-style and tighter, with a stronger first paragraph and fewer official details. (TNA)
