BANGKOK: A fire ripped through pet shops next to Bangkok’s famed Chatuchak market early on Tuesday (Jun 11), killing caged dogs, cats, birds and snakes and damaging more than 100 stalls, police said.
The blaze spread to more than 100 stalls across about 1,300 sq m.
There were no reports of human casualties but multiple caged animals were found dead at the market, which belongs to the State Railway of Thailand, he said. The fire was extinguished by 6am (7am, Singapore time) and the cause is being investigated, Tivakorn added.
Local media outlets have reported that the fire resulted in the deaths of hundreds of pets, adding to the tragedy at Bangkok’s Srisomrat Market. However, Tivakorn Prongseng, the police inspector leading the investigation, cautioned against confirming the exact number of casualties at this early stage. The uncertainty surrounding the extent of the loss highlights the severity of the incident and the challenges faced in assessing its full impact.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has set up a presence at the scene to gather information from affected shop owners.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt visited the site and said people could help affected shop owners by offering to house surviving animals.
Fires have previously damaged sections of the neighbouring, tightly packed Chatuchak market, which sells everything from antiques and electronics to dishwares and food.
The market is a top tourist draw but also a popular shopping destination for locals.
Conservation groups have previously raised concerns about the sale of live animals in the area, with periodic raids on sellers netting endangered species.
