BANGKOK — Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt visited the scene of a fatal house fire in Soi Somdet Phra Chao Taksin 11 on 18 July 2026, announcing that 17 cats rescued from the blaze will be transferred to a Bangkok animal shelter while authorities seek new homes for them.
Chadchart inspected the scene alongside officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Thon Buri District Office and other agencies.
The fire was reported at 05:59 hrs, with firefighters arriving at 06:05 hrs and bringing the blaze under control by 06:14 hrs.
Two elderly residents, a man and a woman who were living on the second floor of one of the houses, died in the fire. Authorities believe they succumbed to smoke inhalation.
Chadchart said firefighters were able to rescue all occupants from the neighbouring house, but the flames had already spread rapidly by the time emergency crews arrived.
The governor said the deceased couple were known for caring for a large number of cats, estimating that they had been looking after around 100 animals.
Following the fire, officials found 73 cats had died.
A total of 19 cats survived. Two were taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment, while the remaining 17 cats were temporarily placed under the care of the Thon Buri District Office before being transferred at 12:00 hrs on 18 July to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Dog Control Centre (Prawet), also known as the Prawet Dog and Cat Shelter, where they will await adoption.
“Although firefighters arrived quickly, it is not always possible to save lives because of factors such as smoke inhalation and the speed at which a fire spreads,” Chadchart said, offering condolences to the victims’ family.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant about fire hazards to help prevent similar tragedies.
People interested in adopting the rescued cats can contact the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Dog Control Centre (Prawet) on weekdays between 08:00 hrs and 15:00 hrs, call 02-328-7460, or visit the BKK Adopter Facebook page for more information.
