Fire tears through boats in minutes
A dramatic fire tore through three passenger boats on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River on Sunday evening, turning the city’s famous waterway into a blazing inferno. Within just four minutes, flames leapt from one vessel to two others moored nearby, reducing them to charred wrecks.
The incident happened at around 6:43pm at the Wat Ratchasingkhon Pier in Bang Kholaem district. The blaze started on an unoccupied passenger boat before spreading rapidly, fuelled by the wooden structures and strong river winds.
Eyewitnesses described terrifying scenes as mooring ropes snapped in the heat and burning boats drifted into the middle of the river. The night sky glowed orange over Bangkok, while thick plumes of smoke rose high above the capital.
Swift response prevents disaster
Bangkok’s fire department responded in record time, bringing the situation under control by 7:02pm and fully extinguishing the flames just 20 minutes later. Crews battled the fire both from land and from small boats, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring piers or other vessels.
“There were no injuries and no passengers on board at the time,” confirmed a spokesman for the Metropolitan Police. “The boats were used during the day for tourist transport. We are thankful the situation did not escalate further.”
Cause remains a mystery
The cause of the blaze remains unclear. Investigators are examining whether an electrical fault or discarded materials sparked the fire. Arson has not been ruled out. Police sealed off the area around the pier as forensic teams began their work.
The Chao Phraya River is a vital artery for Bangkok, carrying thousands of commuters and tourists daily between landmarks like the Grand Palace and the city’s shopping hubs. The incident comes months after a series of boat-related accidents off Koh Tao and in Phang Nga province, raising concerns over maritime safety.
Environmental worries after wreckage sinks
Environmental experts are monitoring the aftermath closely, as parts of the charred wrecks have sunk into the river. Divers are assisting in retrieving debris to minimise risks to navigation and water quality. Cleanup operations are already under way, with authorities racing to contain the damage.