Safety
Fire Destroys Home in Phrae Province; 11-Year-Old Escapes Unharmed
A two-story teak house in Phrae was destroyed by fire on August 16, 2026, while an 11-year-old girl was home alone.
On the afternoon of August 16, 2026, a severe fire broke out at a two-story teak house in Ban Khangam, Don Mun sub-district, Sung Men district, Phrae province. According to Khaosod Online Thailand, local authorities and firefighters were dispatched to the scene at approximately 4:30 PM. It took emergency crews about one hour to bring the blaze under control, though the second floor of the residence was completely destroyed.
At the time of the incident, the 70-year-old homeowner was away at a market selling vegetables. Her 11-year-old granddaughter, who was resting on the ground floor, heard the sound of breaking glass and discovered the fire spreading on the upper level. The child managed to escape the house safely and sought help. Upon returning, the grandmother was reunited with her granddaughter, who remained unharmed.
For residents and travelers in the area, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and electrical maintenance in older wooden structures. While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities have preliminarily suggested a potential electrical short circuit. Forensic experts are expected to conduct a formal inspection to confirm the definitive cause of the blaze.