A fire broke out late at night at a traditional wooden house owned by a former subdistrict mayor in Yasothon. The flames spread throughout the entire house, causing damages exceeding 10 million baht, excluding more than 30 sacred amulets and Buddha statues. Authorities are awaiting a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire.
At 23:35 on 18 Jan 2026, the Phaya Thaen radio center of Yasothon City Police Station received a report of a house fire in Ban Sawang, Samran Subdistrict, Mueang District, Yasothon Province. Fire trucks from Samran Subdistrict Municipality, Yasothon City Municipality, and rescue teams from Sawang Ruam Jai Yasothon Rescue Association were promptly dispatched to the scene to control the fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters found flames engulfing a traditional wooden house situated on a relatively large plot, isolated from neighboring homes. Firefighters from Samran Subdistrict Municipality and Yasothon City Municipality worked together to douse the intense blaze, which took over an hour to control. The fire completely damaged the house, especially the second floor structure, leaving only the large hardwood pillars intact. No one was inside at the time, so there were no injuries or fatalities.
Mr. Phairoj Khotsombat, former mayor of Samran Subdistrict and owner of the house, said the entire house was made of hardwoods such as rosewood, ironwood, redwood, and Yang Na, built since 2009 with a value exceeding 10 million baht. The raised house had an open ground floor; the second floor contained bedrooms and a prayer room holding over 30 sacred amulets, Buddha statues, and images, all collected from renowned monks. He usually stayed at the house only some nights; the previous night he was sleeping at another house about 20 meters away within the same property. His son, returning home, saw flames on the second floor and woke him to try to extinguish the fire. However, the wooden house fueled the fire rapidly until it consumed the entire building. He then notified police and firefighters. The preliminary cause is believed to be an electrical short circuit.
The exact cause will be determined after forensic officials conduct a detailed investigation at the scene.
