BANGKOK — 1 September 2026, A fire tore through a wooden canal-side community in Makkasan early Monday, destroying 15 homes and leaving one person dead.
Police were alerted at 02:35 to the blaze near Mit Samphan intersection on Sukhumvit 3 Road, in Makkasan, Ratchathewi district. Firefighters from several stations responded with more than 10 water trucks, supported by emergency medical teams and rescue volunteers.
The fire swept rapidly through closely packed wooden homes in the Makkasan community beside Saen Saep Canal. Residents fled in panic, helping elderly people and bedridden patients to safety.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control after more than an hour. Officials later found one deceased person at the scene. The person’s identity and gender have not yet been confirmed.
Residents said they were asleep when they heard a sound resembling glass being stepped on. They then saw flames rapidly engulf one house near a childcare facility before spreading to neighbouring homes.
The community, which has existed for more than 50 years, has more than 30 closely built wooden homes. Ratchathewi district office has opened a temporary shelter for affected residents at Wat Makkasan on Phetchaburi Road.
Forensic officers are examining the scene as police investigate the cause of the fire.
