Chong Chom border market devasted by fierce fire, over 300 shops burned

Chong Chom border market devasted by fierce fire, over 300 shops burned
A fierce fire rages through Chong Chom market in Kap Choeng district, Surin province late Friday night. (Photo: Surin public relations office)

A fire raged firecely Chong Chom border market in Surin Kap Choeng district late on Friday night, destroying more than 300 shops. No casualties were reported.

More than 10 fire trucks, firemen and rescue teams from this border district and nearby areas were deployed to combat the fire that broke out at Chong Chom market in tambon Dan about 9.40pm on Friday.

The raging fire forced local residents to flee in panic. Vendors tried to take their goods and belongings at their shops to flee. 

Flames spread quickly as there were many flammable materials such as clothes, beds, furniture, bags, shoes and handicraft products at the market, which housed more than 500 shops.

Local authorities said the fire started at soi 9 at the market before spreading to other shops. Winds fuelled the fire.   Firemen put the fire under control at 2.50am. No casualties were reported.

An initial survey showed about 320 shops were destroyed. The cause of the blaze was being investigated.

Firemen take several hours to put out the fire at the cross-border market in Surin. (Photo: Surin public relations office)

More than 300 shops are destroyed by the fire. (Photo: Surin public relations office)

A huge fire breaks out at Chong Chom border market in Kap Choeng district, Surin at 9.40pm on Friday. Many fire trucks and firemen were sent to the scene to combat the fire, which was put under control at 2.50am. (Photos: Surin public relations office Facebook)