PATTAYA, THAILAND – A residential building on Pratumnak Hill’s Soi 5 was evacuated after a fire sent thick black smoke over the neighborhood on the afternoon of 24 April 2026.
Fire breaks out in upscale Pratumnak area
The blaze broke out in a multi-unit building on Soi 5, directly opposite a well-known supermarket. Residents noticed rising smoke and immediately alerted the emergency services.
Dense black smoke billowed above Pratumnak Hill and was visible from a considerable distance. The area is regarded as one of Pattaya’s more upscale residential neighborhoods.
Passersby stopped in the street as residents left their buildings in haste. Emergency operations began within minutes of the alarm being raised.
Traffic slows response to burning building
Officials from the Jomtien city administration and officers from the Pattaya police station rushed to the scene. Their first challenge was the heavy afternoon traffic.
The responders had to clear the streets before the fire engines could get through. Every minute was critical as the operation unfolded.
Firefighters quickly contain the blaze
After the arrival of the fire engines, firefighters immediately started work to extinguish the flames. The fire was brought under control swiftly, limiting further damage in the building.
There were no injuries; all residents of the property escaped unharmed according to the current information. This remained the most important outcome of the entire operation.
Building closed as damage assessed
The apartment building was closed to residents and will remain off-limits until further notice. Officials guarded the site to prevent any possible flare-up of the fire.
Soot and firefighting water heavily damaged the affected rooms. The total amount of property damage had not yet been quantified.
Police experts investigate cause of fire
Specialists from the police began examining the fire-damaged structure. The reason why the fire started remained open.
The building will stay closed until the investigation is completed. Authorities announced no additional details beyond the ongoing probe and the continued closure of the site.