Safety
Structural Concerns Follow Major Fire at Khlong Thom Center
The President of the Thai Structural Engineers Association has identified five critical factors contributing to the rapid spread of a fire at the Khlong Thom Center in Bangkok.
On August 30, 2026, a severe fire engulfed the Khlong Thom Center on Worachak Road, spreading throughout the three-story structure within one hour. Amorn Pimanmas, President of the Thai Structural Engineers Association, inspected the site to assess the damage and analyze the engineering causes of the rapid inferno.
According to Khaosod Online, the Association highlighted five primary factors that facilitated the fire's intensity: the high density of flammable goods such as electronics, wiring, and batteries; internal partitions that allowed flames and hot gases to spread rapidly; and the vulnerability of the building's steel columns and beams, which can warp under prolonged high heat.
For residents and visitors, the incident raises significant safety concerns regarding older commercial buildings in Bangkok. The Association has recommended the demolition of the damaged structure due to the risk of collapse and has urged the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to conduct urgent safety inspections of aging buildings across the city. While the engineering analysis points to structural and material risks, the official investigation into the specific ignition source remains ongoing. Travelers and locals are advised to avoid the immediate vicinity of the site until authorities confirm the area is secure.