Khlong Thom roof subsides as crews fight fire from outside
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said heat had weakened the steel-framed building, while no one was reported trapped inside
Parts of the roof and steel structure at Khlong Thom Centre in Bangkok had begun to subside by 10.30pm on Friday (August 28, 2026), forcing firefighters to remain outside while the building’s stability was assessed.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said steel structures could lose strength or collapse when exposed to intense heat. No one had been reported trapped inside the building.
Fire and rescue crews from several stations were deployed to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjacent buildings and nearby areas.
Officials initially believed the fire began in a ground-floor shop where large quantities of goods were stored. The resulting concentration of combustible material allowed the flames to spread rapidly.
Responders could not enter the building until its structural risks had been assessed, Chadchart said. Firefighters therefore concentrated on spraying water from outside to protect neighbouring shophouses.
The operation was complicated by façade walls that prevented water streams from reaching parts of the building’s interior.
The building was reported to have a sprinkler system, although it may not have been sufficient to control the entire fire.
Chadchart said he had inspected fire hydrants in the area during his first term as governor to ensure an adequate water supply because the neighbourhood was considered vulnerable to fires. Several hydrants remained available to support the operation.
The latest update
The latest update came at 5.32am on Saturday (August 29, 2026), when the Rama 199 Radio Centre confirmed that the fire had been brought under control. Crews are now extinguishing smouldering embers, while the area has been sealed off as a danger zone due to the risk of further structural collapse.
The cause of the fire and the full extent of the damage remain under investigation by forensic officers.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has arranged for doctors, nurses and a multidisciplinary team to visit the area this morning. They will establish an assistance centre, conduct health checks and provide psychological support to residents, shop operators and others affected by the incident.
The blaze at Khlong Thom Centre caused parts of the building to collapse in central Bangkok and inflicted extensive economic losses on traders. The incident has also raised serious questions about urban planning and safety standards for ageing commercial buildings in the heart of the capital.
