BANGKOK — 29 August 2026, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt inspected the response to a fire at Khlong Thom Center in Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, saying the blaze was almost completely under control but hot spots and smouldering fires remained inside the building.
Chadchart said crews were using excavators to clear access routes so firefighters could reach and extinguish fires inside the building. The operation was being carried out with caution because the structure had sustained extensive damage.
Regarding concerns over smoke and toxic substances, Chadchart said preliminary monitoring had found no gases or toxic substances at worrying levels. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured at about 0.4 parts per million, which remained within normal levels at the monitoring point.
However, smoke and dust from the fire remained a concern, prompting authorities to continue monitoring air quality.
The main concern was particulate matter, particularly PM2.5. Measurements at the fire site reached about 630 micrograms per cubic metre.
Chadchart urged people to avoid the area unless necessary. Those exposed to smoke should wear dust-protection masks, particularly N95 masks, while vulnerable groups were advised to take extra precautions.
Wind was expected to blow towards the northeast. Bangkok authorities were therefore monitoring wind direction and conducting additional air-quality checks along the wind path to assess potential impacts and issue public warnings.
Chadchart stressed that although no worrying levels of toxic gases had been detected, residents should continue to monitor the situation and follow Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) advice, particularly regarding dust protection and avoiding the affected area.
The BMA has also deployed drones equipped with infrared cameras to detect hot spots and assess the area from above. The information is being used to support operational planning and improve firefighter safety.
Authorities are also preparing maps showing risk areas, hot spots and wind direction to help crews plan their operations.
Chadchart thanked officials and all parties involved in the ongoing response, saying the BMA would closely monitor both the fire and air quality to protect residents and emergency personnel.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.