The blaze, which quickly spread through the pet section, left behind extensive destruction but no human casualties.
A devastating fire at Bangkok’s renowned Chatuchak Weekend Market led to the deaths of hundreds of caged animals early Tuesday morning. The fire reportedly started in the market’s pet section and spread rapidly, engulfing over 100 shops before it was finally controlled.
Local authorities noted that it took approximately an hour for firefighters to contain the blaze. Fortunately, no human casualties were reported, but Thai media stated that the fire caused significant loss of animal life, including puppies, fish, birds, snakes, and rabbits.
Video footage from the scene showed chaotic rescue efforts as firefighters and market workers tried to save as many animals as possible. One notable image from the scene shows a firefighter holding a rescued chicken amid the debris.
Chatuchak Market, famous for its vast array of merchandise and especially its pet section, draws locals and tourists alike. The market is not only a cultural icon but also a major economic center for small businesses and animal traders in the region.
This tragic incident has spurred concern over safety protocols within large, densely packed market areas. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and have pledged to review safety standards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The loss of so many animals has sparked calls for stricter regulations on pet markets in Thailand, where animals are often kept in confined and overcrowded spaces.
