Safety
Fire at Khlong Thom Center: Ongoing Cooling Operations and Damage Assessment
Authorities continue cooling operations at the Khlong Thom Center following a major fire, as the number of affected vendors nears 200.
On August 30, 2026, two days after a significant fire broke out at the Khlong Thom Center on Worachak Road, emergency responders remain on-site to manage the aftermath. According to Khaosod Online, smoke and heat persist beneath the collapsed structure, necessitating continuous cooling efforts by firefighters and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to prevent reignition.
For residents and visitors, the area remains restricted as the site is currently unsafe for forensic investigators to enter. Police Superintendent Pol. Col. Apichet Sapsongsoem of Phlapphla Chai 1 Police Station confirmed that authorities have established two assistance centers—at Wat Phra Phiren and the Phlapphla Chai 1 Police Station—to process claims. As of the morning of August 30, between 170 and 180 individuals, primarily vendors operating within the center, have filed reports regarding their losses.
While initial investigations have not found evidence of arson intended for eviction, the full extent of the damage and the definitive cause of the blaze remain under investigation. Travelers and locals are advised to avoid the immediate vicinity of the center due to ongoing safety hazards and potential traffic disruptions in the Worachak area. Further updates are expected once the site is sufficiently cooled to allow for a thorough forensic examination.