SAMUT SAKHON, Thailand – A fire believed to have been triggered by a lightning strike destroyed nearly 50 shops at Pho Thong Market in Khok Krabue, Mueang district, on November 4, leaving clothing, footwear, household goods and electrical products in ruins.
The fire broke out at around 11am during heavy rain, before the market’s usual opening time of approximately 2pm. Most stalls were still closed, with only a few shops operating near the market entrance. No deaths or injuries were reported.
More than 20 fire engines from Khok Krabue Municipality and neighboring areas were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters took over 30 minutes to bring the flames under control. Because the market is an enclosed area where smoke had accumulated, crews continued spraying water for another hour to prevent remaining hot spots from reigniting. Nearly 50 shops were damaged, particularly those selling general merchandise, clothing, footwear, electrical appliances and plastic products.
A 42-year-old market trader, Weerapun Chan-ngern, said heavy rain was falling when a loud thunderclap, believed to be a lightning strike, was heard in the middle of the market. Flames then spread rapidly through a section containing clothing, electrical goods and plastic products, where nearly 50 shops were grouped together.
He said he immediately ran to switch off the electrical supply at the circuit breaker, alerted the market manager and contacted firefighters for assistance. Pho Thong Market has operated for nearly 20 years and normally opens to shoppers from around 2pm. The fire caused extensive losses for traders, while the total damage was still being assessed.
