KOH SAMUI, THAILAND – A major fire completely destroyed the well-known Austrian Corner restaurant in Mae Nam on 8 April 2026, but no one was injured.
Austrian Corner destroyed in overnight blaze
According to initial information, a large fire broke out during the night and engulfed the Austrian Corner building within a short time. The popular emigrant hangout in Mae Nam on Koh Samui was completely destroyed.
No injuries were reported. All staff and guests escaped unharmed and were left badly shaken but safe.
The restaurant informed its regulars via social media shortly after the incident, stressing that the most important thing was that everyone was safe. The team expressed gratitude for the hundreds of messages, calls and condolences coming from the German-speaking community.
A piece of Austria in Mae Nam
For more than ten years, Austrian Corner had served authentic Austrian cuisine on Koh Samui and had become a fixed meeting point for German-speaking expats and tourists. The venue was located in central Mae Nam, directly at the entrance to the weekly Mae Nam Walking Street, and offered a wide range of national and international dishes, from Thai food to Mediterranean and European specialities.
The restaurant was particularly known for its live grill evenings on Wednesdays and Saturdays, featuring an extensive buffet of grilled meat specialities, schnitzels and sausages. Regulars especially praised Tuesdays as “Schnitzel Day”, with homemade sauce and potato salad.
The business was run by owner Mario, who was regarded for his warm hospitality. Over the years, the restaurant developed into a familiar hub for the island’s German-speaking community.
Operations continue next door
Despite the destruction, the team presented itself as determined to carry on. While clearing work and renovations were under way, operations were being continued on an interim basis in the former Food Mafia premises next door.
The adjoining Austrian Corner Bakery & Butchery in Mae Nam remained open and was welcoming guests as usual, starting again from the upcoming weekend. Customers were informed that they could still purchase bakery and meat products there without interruption.
The cause of the fire had not yet been officially clarified. An investigation by the relevant authorities was ongoing.