At least 265 people, both Thai and foreign nationals, have registered for emergency assistance following a major fire in Chinatown last night.
Samphanthawong district has opened a registration desk in front of the Chinatown Hotel for those affected by the blaze, which broke out in Trok Pho alley of Yaowarat at 8.45pm last night.
Four temporary shelters have also been arranged at Trimit, Samphanthawong and Chana Songkram temples and the Pichaiyat building.
The fire spread rapidly through the mostly wooden buildings in the old community of Bangkok’s Chinatown and the narrow alleyways made it difficult for fire trucks to reach the area.
The cost of the damage is still being estimated, but a hotel and commercial buildings were affected.
There are 65 houses in Trok Pho alley.
Three guests at the New Empire Hotel were rescued by firefighters, before the situation was brought under control at around 1.00am this morning.
Thirty people, mostly elderly, have been admitted to hospital suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation. One rescue worker suffered an electrical shock while on duty.
Yaowarat Road was reopened to traffic at 2.00am.
