Firefighters prevent blaze from reaching Thai central bank

A fire broke out in a wooden house last night in Bangkok’s old quarter that threatened a 200-year-old royal temple and the central bank offices.

Firefighters managed to control the blaze in Soi Samsen 5 before it spread to Wat Sam Phraya or the nearby Bank of Thailand headquarters in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district. The fire did damage two adjacent wooden homes occupied by five elderly family members, three of whom were home at the time.

It was unclear where the fire originated. Residents quickly informed the authorities and proceeded to evacuate those inside the house, including a bedridden patient 81-year-old man.

The Chana Songkram Police Station is coordinating with forensic examiners to determine the cause of the fire.