Forensic officers to examine burnt-out Klong Thom Centre tomorrow

Forensics specialists are expected to enter the Klong Thom Centre Monday morning to inspect the fire-damaged building for clues which could help determine the cause of the Friday night fire.

The Klong Thom Centre was one Bangkok’s major retail markets for smart phone accessories, electronics, machine and hand tools.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, accompanied by officials from the Office of Public Works and Office of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), inspected the scene of the fire today to assess its safety, before forensic specialists arrive tomorrow.

He said that the BMA is currently attempting to control the heat in some spots, where fires are still smouldering, and looking at the demolition of the damaged building.

He noted that the first floor of the building has collapsed onto the ground floor, which is littered with goods, concrete beams and pillars, as well as construction debris, some of which are combustible and, hence, pose a threat to officials venturing into the building.

He said that he has sought help from the structural engineers who inspected the collapsed State Audit Office building.

The governor admitted that the cause of the fire remains, at present, unknown.

Meanwhile, Pol. Maj-Gen. Chaikrit Pho-ar, commander of the 6th division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said that officers have not, so far, found any clues to suggest that the fire was an act of arson, adding that they have questioned about 100 witnesses and fire victims, but most of their statements concern damage to their belongings.

184 fire victims have filed complaints in the past two days with the BMA, seeking initial compensation.

The scene of the blaze is still cordoned off around the clock to prevent unauthorised access.