Bangkok urges public to avoid Khlong Thom fire zone as PM2.5 hits 630

Bangkok authorities have urged the public to avoid the area around Khlong Thom Centre and wear N95 masks after PM2.5 at the fire scene reached about 630 micrograms per cubic metre.

Pom Prap Sattru Phai District Office has also established a registration point to assist people affected by the blaze.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt inspected operations at Khlong Thom Centre in Pom Prap Sattru Phai district on Saturday (August 29). He said the fire had been almost completely brought under control, although smouldering areas and hot spots remained inside the building.

Excavators were being used to clear access routes so firefighters could reach the interior and extinguish the remaining hot spots. Crews were proceeding cautiously because the building’s structure had suffered extensive damage.

PM2.5 remains the main air-quality concern

Initial monitoring had not detected gases or toxic substances at levels considered concerning, Chadchart said.

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, were measured at about 0.4 parts per million at the monitoring point, which remained within normal levels. However, smoke and dust from the fire were still present, requiring continued air-quality checks.

“The main concern requiring close attention is particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, which was measured at about 630 micrograms per cubic metre at the scene,” Chadchart said.

“People should avoid the area unless necessary. Anyone affected by the smoke should wear a protective mask, particularly an N95 mask, while vulnerable groups should take extra precautions.”

The wind was moving towards the northeast, prompting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to monitor air quality in downwind areas and assess whether further public warnings were required.

Although no dangerous concentrations of gases or toxic substances had been found, residents were advised to follow BMA updates, avoid the fire scene and protect themselves from dust.

The BMA also deployed drones equipped with infrared cameras to locate hot spots and inspect the damaged site from above.

Officials were preparing maps showing hazardous locations, remaining hot spots and the direction of the wind to support operational planning and improve the safety of emergency personnel.

Chadchart thanked firefighters and all agencies involved in the response, adding that the BMA would continue monitoring both the building and surrounding air quality.

Assistance centre opens for fire victims

Pom Prap Sattru Phai District Office, Phlapphla Chai 1 Police Station, Bangkok’s disaster prevention authorities, Public Health Centre 20 and the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation under Royal Patronage are providing assistance at the hall of Wat Phra Phiren.

The district office has extended registration hours for people affected by the fire as follows:

Saturday (August 29): Registration remains open until 6pm at the hall of Wat Phra Phiren.

Sunday (August 30): Registration will be available from 8am to 4pm at the hall of Wat Phra Phiren.

From Monday (August 31): Applications can be submitted from 8am to 4pm at the Administrative Section on the second floor of Pom Prap Sattru Phai District Office.

Applicants must provide a copy of their national identity card, their tenancy agreement and a police daily report specifying the damage in each case, accompanied by photographs.

After an application is submitted, the district office will issue a certificate confirming the applicant’s status as a person affected by the disaster and arrange a later appointment for the payment of assistance.

Further information is available from the Administrative Section on 0 2281 6117.