A forensic team is at the Talad Nam 4 Park in Pattaya today (Friday), to search for clues to the source of a fire on Thursday night which destroyed a section of this floating market, causing damage initially estimated at about 50 million baht.
One man suffered from smoke inhalation, but he has recovered after being treated at a hospital.
The fire reportedly started in the northern zone of the three hectare market in Nong Prue sub-district, Bang Lamung district. Fanned by strong winds, the flames quickly consumed most of the shops there, during which sporadic explosions were heard.
Over 20 fire trucks rushed to the scene and it took them about an hour to bring the fire under control and stop it spreading to other areas of the market.
Chon Buri Governor Thawatchai Srithong, who went to the scene, told the media there that the fire had spread quickly because most of the shops were made of wood and other inflammable materials.
A relief centre was set up today so help can be provided to those affected by the blaze.
One of the shopkeepers said that his shop was completely destroyed and his greatest concern is losing his source of income, averaging several thousand baht a day as the market is popular among foreign tourists.
