Fire Destroys Over 50 Stalls at Pho Thong Market in Samut Sakhon
A lightning strike triggered a major fire at Pho Thong Market in Samut Sakhon, destroying nearly 50 shops; no casualties were reported as the market was closed.
On November 4, 2026, a significant fire broke out at the Pho Thong Market, located in Khok Krabue, Samut Sakhon province. According to reports from Khaosod Online, the blaze was ignited by a lightning strike during the morning hours. The fire quickly spread through the facility, resulting in the destruction of nearly 50 stalls, including vendors selling clothing, footwear, electronics, and general household goods. Fortunately, the incident occurred before the market's official opening time, meaning the area was largely unoccupied. Consequently, there were no injuries or fatalities reported. Local authorities responded promptly, deploying over 20 fire engines from the Khok Krabue sub-district and surrounding areas. Firefighters managed to bring the flames under control within 30 minutes, though they remained on-site for an additional hour to douse the area and prevent reignition due to heavy smoke trapped within the enclosed structure. For residents and travelers, this incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather-related hazards in the region. While the immediate danger has passed, the full extent of the financial impact on local vendors and the timeline for the market's potential reopening remain to be confirmed by local officials.
