PATTAYA, THAILAND – A two-story home in eastern Pattaya burned to the ground late Thursday night, but a 78-year-old couple escaped unharmed despite losing all of their possessions.
Home in Nongprue Destroyed Shortly Before Midnight
The fire occurred late Thursday in the Nongprue subdistrict in Pattaya municipality, in a mixed concrete-and-wood, two-story house at address 281/1 Moo 12. According to responders, the emergency call reached the city’s disaster prevention and relief unit at 10:06 p.m. Municipal firefighters, Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan rescue workers, Pattaya city police and local administrative officials were dispatched.
House Fully Engulfed, Area Evacuated
When crews arrived, the entire house was already in flames and thick black smoke was rising into the night sky. Neighbours gathered at a safe distance and watched as the fire spread rapidly. Police cleared surrounding buildings to protect residents, while firefighters used water cannons to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby houses.
Fire Brought Under Control After 30 Minutes
It took more than 30 minutes for responders to bring the fire under control. Only smouldering remains, heavy smoke and the completely destroyed building structure were left behind. During an inspection of the interior, authorities found the house reduced to charred debris, and officials reported that no one was injured.
78-Year-Old Resident Describes Seconds Before Escape
The house was occupied by Lamai Iamrai (78) and her bedridden husband, also 78. She told investigators about the crucial seconds before their escape, explaining that she had been washing dishes when she suddenly heard a loud electrical crack from wooden wall panelling.
“Shortly afterwards, flames shot out of the wall and spread incredibly quickly,”
said Lamai Iamrai, resident.
“I immediately helped my husband out of the house. We were just able to get to safety and asked the neighbours to call for help. Then there was nothing left for me to do but watch as our home burned down before my eyes.”
said Lamai Iamrai, resident.
Couple Loses All Possessions but Survives Unharmed
The elderly couple remained physically uninjured but lost all of their belongings in the fire. Authorities described the building as completely destroyed, with only burnt remains left on the property.
Police Launch Cause-of-Fire Investigation
Police Colonel Anek Sarathongyu, chief of Pattaya Police Station, immediately ordered an investigation at the scene. Police Lieutenant Colonel Anan Mahakij Asawakul, deputy investigator, carried out the initial inspection. He coordinated efforts with the Region 2 Forensic Center in Chonburi province, where specialists were to examine the site thoroughly to determine the exact cause of the blaze.
Technical Cause Suspected, Forensic Results Pending
Authorities stated they were currently pursuing only a technical cause for the fire. Results from the forensic analysis were still pending, and no alternative scenarios were being considered at this stage.