Chadchart visits Khlong Thom, establishes One Stop Service to assist fire victims, accelerates investigation of major fire cause. He reveals a miracle: Khlong Thom floors 2-3 collapsed and crushed the area, but a Toyota Vigo pickup truck on the third floor survived without a scratch.
At 08:00 on 31 Aug 2026, Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, reported on the large fire incident at Khlong Thom Center. He said Bangkok authorities monitored the situation overnight. The main role was to control smoldering fires. Three heat points were detected but temperatures were not high, so the situation was improving and nearing resolution. Today, a key task is for forensic officials to inspect the site. Bangkok has prepared blueprints and is gathering additional data because the second floor collapsed onto the first, making it difficult to find the fire's origin. Evidence from TikTok videos and firefighters who entered the area will help identify the starting point.
Preliminary information suggests the fire started near lock number 5, about 20 meters inside. Forensic officials will enter at 08:00 to investigate further. Full building inspection is difficult, so they will gather information beforehand. Bangkok is also assessing when surrounding row buildings can be accessed, aiming to restore the area quickly, especially the rear row buildings. The district director has been instructed to oversee this.
Regarding those affected and vehicle owners, Chadchart said some have come forward. One vehicle requires further damage assessment. Victims are initially registering at Wat Phra Piren, where Bangkok has opened a One Stop Service with various agencies collocated to collect damage information. About eight vehicles were inside, though numbers are uncertain. Discussions with operators revealed fewer vehicles inside due to poor economic conditions and the incident occurring overnight. One pickup truck remains in good condition; it likely was parked on the third floor before falling and is currently being extracted.
Compensation discussions must involve insurance companies and building owners. Meanwhile, the district director has been tasked with surveying the surrounding area for available commercial spaces or vacant spots to accommodate affected vendors wishing to resume business. Vendors with available spaces willing to host affected individuals can notify the district to provide temporary relief.
Regarding fire spreading to nearby residential houses, Chadchart said damage reports must be confirmed to determine the extent. It appears the main damage was to Khlong Thom Center and about 8-9 adjoining units on Saitong building row. Areas outside are not expected to have significant damage.
On air quality, Chadchart reported that on the first day, particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 levels were high, but no toxic gases were detected. The situation has steadily improved as Bangkok deployed air quality monitoring vehicles following wind patterns blowing north. Initially, smoke odors reached Don Mueang area. Currently, the situation is not alarming, with ongoing air quality monitoring. Building demolition is the owner's responsibility; Bangkok's role is not to dismantle structures. He compared this to the Office of the Auditor General building case, where Bangkok assisted victims until all were evacuated, then withdrew.
Therefore, once the situation is confirmed safe with no smoldering fires and forensic officials complete their work, Bangkok will withdraw and cordon the area. Remaining demolition is the owner's responsibility. When asked if forensic officials will focus on specific points, Chadchart said the zone C area is critical. According to Bangkok officials, the first firefighter arrived by motorcycle, entered from the back, and dragged a hose about 30 meters to the fire origin. Other evidence must be considered. Numerous witnesses were present since staff and others initially tried to extinguish the fire, providing valuable testimony. Hence, the investigation will combine witness statements and physical evidence, not relying solely on the latter.
At 10:00, Police Major General Wathee Asavutmangkul, Commander of Central Forensic Police, along with forensic officers, inspected Khlong Thom Center post-fire. They could not yet collect evidence at the fire origin because floors 2 and 3 collapsed, requiring structural dismantling for safety. Police stated they have not ruled out accidental or intentional causes and are expediting evidence collection.
Maj. Gen. Wathee said officials surveyed the surroundings but cannot enter the fire origin area yet due to collapsed parking floors 2 and 3. The fire started on the first floor, zone C. Forensics know the fire start point from video footage but must investigate the cause. Structural removal of floors 2 and 3 is necessary to safely access and collect evidence. During inspection, a strong chemical smell caused witnesses brought in to indicate the fire origin to faint.
Supakorn Sonmai, Head of Civil Engineering at Pom Prap Sattru Phai District Office, stated the building owner was instructed to hire contractors and supervising engineers to dismantle damaged structures, ensuring forensic officials' safety during inspection. The owner is cooperating and aims to expedite work this week.
Police Major General Chaikrit Phoah, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 6, reported that a complaint center and assistance service for victims opened from day one. So far, 170 complaints have been filed, with 138 questioned. Victims who initially could not provide full damage details may update reports at Phlapphla Chai Police Station, where dedicated staff assist. Investigations are ongoing, collecting witness, environmental, and forensic evidence, coordinated with Bangkok authorities to consolidate findings. Police have not dismissed any cause hypotheses, whether accidental or deliberate, assigning investigations to multiple leads awaiting forensic results for case development. Initial information indicates the building was insured, but documentation is pending verification.
Reporters observed a bronze silver Toyota Vigo 4-door pickup, license plate 381 Bangkok, parked on the third-floor parking lot, completely undamaged, attracting attention. Many sought its license number to buy lottery tickets for the next day. Another vehicle on the same floor but in a different zone, a white Mazda CX-3 with license plate 7ขฮ 5106 Bangkok, suffered minor damage. This was considered fortunate for the owners. Officials are currently seeking ways to remove both vehicles.