Bangkok, Thailand (Reuters) – A disastrous Sunday night fire gutted much of the six-story Ember Hotel, just off Bangkok's tourist-filled Khao San Road area, and killed three foreign tourists while leaving seven more in the hospital. Authorities continued Tuesday investigating the cause of the blaze.
Details of the Incident
The fire started from the fifth floor of the hotel, killing one woman on the spot, while two men died of injuries at the hospital, Bangkok's Fire and Rescue Department said. The nationalities of the dead are not yet known, which has caused grief among relatives and tourists.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt praised the speed of the rescue teams, while conceding the incredible swiftness of the smoke. "Authorities reacted in a flash, and a fire alarm was heard, but the smoke was so swift," he said.
Of the 75 people who were inside the hotel, 34 of them were rescued from the rooftop, and that speaks volumes about the efficiency and bravery of the emergency services.
Investigations and Safety Measures Continue
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but already Governor Sittipunt has ordered a city-wide inspection of fire escape routes in hotels and entertainment venues to avoid such tragedies in the future.
"We have to build confidence and take care of tourists," stressed the governor, with tourism important to Thailand, one of the world's major tourist destinations.
The bigger picture: Thailand's Tourism Sector
The fire had fallen on Thailand's tourism, which is now in robust post-pandemic growth. As of December 1 this year, there were 32 million foreign tourist arrivals in the country-a sharp 28% year-over-year rise. The value from them as part of the economy amounts to about 1.5 trillion baht ($43.6 billion).
But with tourism a cornerstone of Thailand's economy, the authorities are under pressure to address safety concerns and reassure travelers. In 2019, the country saw a record-breaking 40 million international arrivals, underscoring its global appeal.
Looking Ahead
This tragedy is, therefore, a grim reminder that hospitality and entertainment places need stringent fire-safety measures. While Thailand mourns the loss of lives and comforts the affected, it also needs to be proactive to protect the millions of tourists arriving every year.
The authorities call for fire precautions by all hotels and hostels and the establishment of emergency procedures. Tourists are also called upon to be more aware and informed about any safety concern relevant to their stay.
Let this be a wake-up call for the betterment of safety standards in order that Thailand will be not just a prime travel destination but also a safe haven for its visitors.