Pattaya City has ordered a suspension of use for the hotel building that caught fire and is rushing to investigate the cause. Meanwhile, the hotel management has spoken out, offering sincere apologies to customers for the incident and pledging full compensation. The estimated damage is about 25 million baht.
Update on the severe fire incident on the rooftop (7th floor) of A.J. Plus Hotel on North Pattaya Road 3, Moo 6, Na Kluea Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. At the time, over 200 guests were staying in the hotel, occupying 120 of 173 rooms. The fire caused chaos as guests fled the building. Three people were injured from smoke inhalation: two Thai women and one Indonesian boy, plus one Thai man who suffered severe burns (over 20%) and smoke inhalation after running through the flames. All were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
At 09:00 on 22 May 2026, Mr. Marut Uthaiwattananon, Acting Head of Building Control, Pattaya City, along with city engineering officials, inspected the fire site on the 7th floor rooftop. They found total fire damage to the rooftop area. The suspected cause is an electrical short circuit. The intense fire reported was aggravated by flammable decorations such as ceiling drapes and other decorative materials on the rooftop.
Mr. Marut Uthaiwattananon said that after being notified of the incident last night, officials monitored the situation and today conducted an on-site inspection of beams and structural integrity to determine if the building qualifies as a fire control zone. The hotel holds a valid operating license. Initial surveys indicate the fire was confined to the rooftop zone, including the swimming pool area and customer service areas like the rooftop bar, with minimal impact on the main building structure. Nevertheless, the city has suspended building use temporarily and prohibited public access to ensure safety.
Mr. Athinut Wattanaprom, hotel executive, told reporters that based on staff accounts, the fire likely started from an electrical short circuit at an undetermined point. Four people were injured: one employee who tried to extinguish the fire but was severely burned and had to flee, and three customers who were injured by falls while escaping and suffered smoke inhalation. The hotel is closely monitoring their conditions.
After the incident, the hotel evacuated all guests. There were approximately 240 guests in 120 rooms. The hotel arranged for them to stay temporarily at nearby accommodations. Officials will conduct building inspections per legal procedures before allowing guests to return to retrieve belongings. The hotel commits to providing full assistance throughout this process.
Finally, the hotel sincerely apologizes to customers for this unforeseen incident. It prioritizes guest safety above all. The hotel affirms it will fully compensate all affected customers. The estimated damage value is about 25 million baht.