PATTAYA, THAILAND – A fire broke out in a popular beer bar in central Pattaya on January 30, alarming the densely built entertainment zone but causing no injuries, according to local authorities.
Fire reported in Soi Buakhao bar
The blaze was reported at around 4:30 p.m. in a beer bar on Soi Buakhao, according to the Pattaya City Land Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Radio Center. Firefighters and Pattaya City Police officers arrived shortly afterwards at a three-storey commercial building in a row of connected units in the busy nightlife area.
Thick smoke and 30-minute firefighting effort
On arrival, thick black smoke was already pouring from the building and was visible from afar, alarming residents and passersby in the heavily frequented surroundings. Crews immediately deployed several hoses and fought the flames for about 30 minutes before the fire was brought under control and the area was carefully checked for remaining embers.
Bar employee recounts tense moments
A bar employee, Phakawadee Prachabmon, told officials that she and other staff had been preparing on the ground floor for the evening opening when a motorcycle taxi driver suddenly alerted them to smoke coming from the third floor.
“I initially wanted to go upstairs myself, but for safety reasons I was prevented from doing so and immediately alerted the emergency call center before all employees left the danger area.”
said Prachabmon, bar employee.
Origin of fire and planned forensic probe
Initial findings indicated the fire likely started on the third floor of the building, which was currently used as a storage room and had recently undergone an electrical shutdown. Pattaya City Police carried out a first inspection at the scene and planned a detailed investigation into the exact cause of the fire together with the Forensic Science Office Region 2 in Chonburi.
Authorities praise response and urge stricter safety
Officials stressed that the rapid deployment had prevented a far more serious fire disaster in one of the city’s most important nightlife areas. They also called on operators of bars and other entertainment venues to ensure consistent maintenance of electrical installations and strict compliance with fire safety measures in order to avoid similar incidents.