In the bustling streets of Bangkok, tragedy struck the vibrant Jodd Fairs Rama 9 market on December 13. What initially seemed like a minor incident soon escalated into a full-blown catastrophe, leaving a Thai woman injured, 120 shops in ruins, and financial losses totaling 1.3 million baht for the vendors.
The Inferno’s Onset
The alarming news reached the police at approximately 4:21 pm. The epicenter of this calamity was a garment shop, where a seemingly innocuous incident rapidly transformed into a raging fire that engulfed neighboring shops. Dark plumes of smoke billowed into the sky, visible from miles away.
Race Against the Blaze
Responding swiftly, firefighters and rescue workers from Huay Kwang Fire Station arrived at the scene armed with three firefighting trucks. The situation on the ground was chaotic, with traders desperately trying to salvage their goods while officers fought to bring the blaze under control.
Control Achieved in Minutes
Despite the pandemonium, the firefighters demonstrated exceptional skill, gaining control of the situation within a mere 20 minutes. Amidst the chaos, a 21-year-old woman, overcome by smoke, received prompt first aid but declined hospitalization.
The aftermath painted a grim picture – 120 shops, once vibrant with commerce, now reduced to rubble. The primary casualties were fashion items and clothing, the very lifeblood that fueled the fire’s rapid spread.
Aid for the Afflicted
Huay Kwang District Chief Paitoon Ngammook declared the market’s closure for a minimum of seven to 15 days. The affected area was marked a danger zone, with entry prohibited until safety measures were improved.
Paitoon announced a compensatory cash payment of 11,000 baht per shop for the victims. To access this aid, affected vendors were urged to prepare their ID cards and venue rental contracts.
Thief Amidst the Chaos
Adding a layer of disgrace to tragedy, an opportunistic thief seized the chaos to pilfer from the damaged shops. Fortunately, a vigilant officer apprehended the thief, who is now under interrogation.
Authorities are diligently investigating the fire’s cause. However, Rod’s & Son Company, the venue operator, has provided no specifics regarding compensation for individual vendors.
Vendor’s Tale of Woe
Napha, a 27-year-old Thai vendor, recounted his shock upon learning about the fire through social media. With his entire savings of 200,000 baht invested in the shop, the uncertainty surrounding the extent of his losses is deeply concerning.
Jodd Fairs: A Tale of Two Markets
Jodd Fairs, with branches in Rama 9 and Lat Phrao, faced closure due to the expiry of the Rama 9 venue rental contract. The new market in Lat Phrao, strategically prepared in anticipation, took over the historic Dan Neramit amusement park.
Despite the tragic incident, Jodd Fairs Lat Phrao continues its operation. As reported by TimeOut, the market is set to thrive in the Lat Phrao area for the next five years.
Conclusion
In the face of adversity, the spirit of Jodd Fairs prevails. As the Rama 9 market grapples with the aftermath, the emergence of Jodd Fairs Lat Phrao signifies resilience. The road to recovery may be long, but the market’s legacy endures, promising a new chapter of prosperity.