A fire broke out late at night in the Makkasan community, killing a 70-year-old man trapped in his home. Authorities are urgently investigating the cause. Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has opened a relief center at Disahongsa Temple, stressing the need for special care for children and the elderly.
At 02:35 on 1 Sep 2023 GMT+7, Police Lieutenant Colonel Wallop Isariyasakulwong, Investigating Officer of Phayathai Police Station, received a report of a fire in residential houses along Sukhumvit 3 Road near Mitr Samphan Intersection in Makkasan subdistrict, Ratchathewi district, Bangkok. He immediately went to the scene with Deputy Superintendent Chotipisit Narongsak, investigators, and 10 fire trucks.
The scene involved several single-story wooden houses built closely together in the Makkasan community along Khlong Saen Saep. Residents fled in panic. Authorities cut off electricity and sprayed water continuously for over an hour before bringing the fire under control. The blaze damaged 15 houses in total.
One fatality was found inside the burnt house ruins. The deceased was identified as Lomphon Sripradit, 70, the homeowner. His body was charred beyond recognition.
Investigations revealed that before the fire, witnesses heard sounds like footsteps stepping on glass bottles. Shortly after, flames were seen rapidly spreading from a house near a daycare center within the community. The fire then spread to several other houses and partially damaged the daycare's bathroom.
The Makkasan community consists of over 30 closely built wooden houses and has existed for more than 50 years. There is one psychiatric patient in the community, but Lomphon had no known psychiatric history. He was a smoker and collected old items. It is suspected that a cigarette butt might have ignited the old items, causing the fire.
At 05:00, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt visited the scene and coordinated with patrol officers from Phayathai Police Station to monitor the community for potential theft. He said he was about to go for a run but rushed to check on residents after learning of the fire.
Initially, the BMA opened a temporary shelter at Disahongsa Temple (Makkasan Temple) to accommodate about 20–25 families, roughly 50 people, providing food, drinking water, beds, toilets, and bathing facilities. Special attention is given to children and the elderly regarding education, uniforms, and essential supplies. The BMA is coordinating care for those with chronic illnesses and ongoing medication needs. Safety inspections are underway around the area, including a daycare center serving over 120 children, with plans to support affected children. Property protection measures for displaced residents are in place, with police assisting in filing reports and exploring housing options for those unable to return home. Access from Phetchaburi Road is temporarily closed for safety while the situation is assessed to reopen routes. Residents are advised to avoid the area. The BMA is compiling data on damages and community needs to provide appropriate and comprehensive assistance.