Khlong Thom blaze hits 300 stalls, injures 11 amid toxic smoke alert
Bangkok warns of hazardous smoke and collapse risks while crews prepare excavators to reach smouldering debris inside the fire-hit centre
- A major fire at Bangkok's Khlong Thom Centre damaged approximately 300 retail stalls.
- The blaze resulted in 11 injuries, including one volunteer firefighter who was left in critical condition from smoke inhalation.
- Authorities issued a hazardous smoke alert for the surrounding area, with smoke spreading up to three kilometers from the site.
Hazardous smoke continued to rise from the collapsed remains of Khlong Thom Centre on Saturday morning (August 29, 2026), after a major fire left 11 people injured and damaged hundreds of retail stalls in central Bangkok.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said firefighters were continuing to spray water around the ruins to prevent the blaze from reigniting. Smouldering material remained trapped beneath the collapsed structure, making it difficult for water to reach some areas.
Excavators had been prepared overnight, but engineers were due to assess whether the machinery could be used safely to clear a route into the building and allow crews to locate the suspected source of the fire.
The surrounding structure remained at risk of further collapse, requiring all operations to proceed cautiously. Shop owners and employees waiting to inspect the damage were not allowed to enter because parts of the building were leaning and remained unstable.
Eleven injured, including critically ill volunteer
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Erawan Emergency Medical Centre reported 11 injuries.
One volunteer firefighter was in critical condition after inhaling smoke, while another person was classified as requiring urgent care. Nine others sustained minor injuries.
Chadchart said the critically injured patient required intubation. Most of those hurt were volunteers, while one member of the public was treated for smoke inhalation.
No deaths were reported and no one was believed to have been trapped inside. Chadchart noted that the building was used for commercial purposes rather than as residential accommodation.
Smoke drifts towards Wat Saket
Chadchart urged people not involved in the emergency response to leave the area because of smoke and strong odours from the ruins.
The wind was carrying smoke south towards Wat Saket, with the affected radius estimated at two to three kilometres depending on changing wind conditions.
The BMA had arranged for air-quality monitoring equipment to be deployed for detailed measurements.
Two or three adjoining shophouses were also affected. Preliminary inspections found fire damage on their third and fourth floors, and all occupants had been evacuated.
The overall cost of the damage remained unknown. Authorities were also unable to determine how many vehicles had been parked inside the centre when the fire began because the incident occurred shortly before closing time.
Façade and batteries hampered firefighting
Chadchart said the building’s façade was a major obstacle because it prevented water sprayed from outside from reaching the interior.
Large quantities of batteries and other combustible goods stored inside helped fuel the flames. Although the building’s sprinkler system operated, it was unable to control the entire fire.
Investigators initially believed the blaze began in a ground-floor retail area containing large quantities of merchandise, allowing it to spread rapidly.
Chadchart said he had previously inspected fire hydrants in the neighbourhood to ensure sufficient water was available in an area considered vulnerable to fires.
A worker from an electronics shop near the entrance said staff still did not know the extent of the damage to their premises. The shop contained automotive equipment and electronic tools, most of which were believed to have been destroyed.
About 300 stalls affected
Preliminary figures indicated that around 100 operators running approximately 300 stalls were affected by the fire.
About 70 operators had registered with the district office by Saturday morning. Some operated more than one stall, accounting for the difference between the number of businesses and retail spaces.
Bangkok authorities have regulations governing assistance for disaster victims, although the available compensation and other details had not yet been determined.
The district office established a registration tent inside Wat Phra Phiren for affected traders to declare their losses and request assistance.
Police from the Metropolitan Police Bureau were also deployed after reports that thieves had attempted to exploit the confusion and steal goods during the fire.
Chadchart warned that anyone taking advantage of the disaster to steal from affected traders would face serious legal penalties.
