THAILAND – Fires Strike Bangchak Refinery and Phuket Resort in Separate Incidents
Two separate fire incidents in Thailand raised alarms but were swiftly brought under control, with no injuries reported in either case.
On July 26, a fire broke out at the Bangchak Oil Refinery in Sriracha, Chon Buri, around 12:30 p.m. The blaze was triggered by a loud explosion that sent thick smoke billowing into the air, alarming nearby residents. Emergency services were promptly notified, and Laem Chabang police coordinated with over ten fire trucks from the municipality and neighboring districts to tackle the flames. Firefighters successfully contained the fire in just over an hour.
A refinery employee reported hearing a loud explosion before flames engulfed a section of the facility. Initial attempts to extinguish the fire using chemical suppressants proved ineffective, leading to an evacuation as a safety measure. The situation was later stabilized, and officials have confirmed that forensic teams will investigate the cause of the explosion in the coming days. The public has been reassured that the area is now safe, with further updates expected as the inquiry continues, according to The Pattaya News.
Just days earlier, on the evening of July 23, a fire also erupted at the Karon Phunaka Resort & Spa in Phuket. The incident occurred shortly before guest check-in, originating in the reception area of the spa lounge. Preliminary reports suggest the fire was caused by a malfunctioning air conditioning unit.
Karon Police received an alert at approximately 6:30 p.m. By the time officers arrived, resort staff had already managed to contain the blaze. Authorities discovered scorch marks around the AC unit and damage to a nearby wall. While the fire was restricted to the reception area, smoke and burn damage disrupted the spa’s peaceful setting. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
These incidents underscore the importance of swift emergency response and safety protocols in minimizing harm and preventing further escalation.
Photo credit: The Pattaya News. All rights reserved.