Anutin visited the Khlong Thom Center fire site to follow up on the incident. The fire is now under control, with water spraying intensified to reduce heat. Concern remains over smoke affecting health. He emphasized monitoring remaining goods to prevent opportunistic theft and praised the quick control of the situation.
At 10:20 a.m. on 29 August 2026 GMT+7, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul visited the site to follow up on the situation of the fire at Khlong Thom Center market in Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, Bangkok, where Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and the Khlong Thom Center management also joined the inspection.
Upon arrival, the Prime Minister observed the operations of officials at the fire site and spoke with affected residents. He then revealed that the fire is now under control, but some heat pockets remain in areas where water spraying cannot reach. Therefore, backhoe loaders are being used to clear paths so water can be sprayed effectively to cool all hotspots.
The Prime Minister added that citizens need not worry about the fire reigniting, as officials have maintained continuous water spraying. However, the main concern now is the smoke and air quality. He ordered officials to intensify water spraying to reduce smoke as much as possible and asked the public to avoid entering the area unless necessary. If entry is required, wearing masks is advised to prevent inhaling smoke and contaminants, since some materials or chemicals inside the building may have burned, potentially affecting health and respiratory systems.
Regarding relief and prevention, the Prime Minister said that since the night of 28 August, Bangkok authorities have contained the fire from spreading to nearby homes and buildings. Meanwhile, those injured have received medical treatment, and the seriously injured have now stabilized. Police have been instructed to strengthen measures against theft of undamaged goods from affected businesses, with offenders to be prosecuted immediately. He also urged cooperation to prevent opportunistic removal of business assets, as both vendors and market owners are suffering from the incident and cannot operate normally.
Anutin further stated that market owners reported the damage may prevent reopening Khlong Thom in its previous form due to the fire's severity and structural collapse. He offered encouragement to business owners and market management, noting the market's importance as a major shopping destination known for quality goods. The building was insured for structural damage, so compensation may be provided under policy terms, depending on damage assessments and owners’ decisions on future operations.
Additionally, the Prime Minister praised Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, and all involved officials for their rapid response, noting that without their timely intervention the fire could have spread further and caused more damage.
Governor Chadchart spoke about support measures for affected shop owners and vendors, stating that verified victims can register for assistance and partial compensation at a relief center set up at Wat Phra Piren. Forensic officers will conduct a thorough investigation of the fire’s cause once the area is cleared and safe, allowing precise identification of the fire’s origin.
