No Evidence Yet of Arson in Klongthom Centre Fire

Police have found no evidence so far to support speculation that the Klongthom Shopping Centre fire was deliberately set to force some businesses out, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Sunday.

The fire tore through the popular shopping centre on Worachak Road on Friday night, causing extensive damage and collapsing large sections of the building. Authorities are now concentrating on three immediate tasks: extinguishing remaining hotspots, assessing the structure and preparing for its eventual demolition.

Access to the interior remains restricted. The collapse of the second floor left columns, beams and debris piled in the lower-level retail area, posing risks to emergency personnel. Material trapped inside could also trigger further flare-ups. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration plans to seek help from structural experts who assisted after the collapse of the State Audit Office tower to determine which sections can be safely removed.

Police have questioned nearly 100 witnesses and affected parties. Most accounts indicate that smoke first emerged from the building’s central section before the fire spread quickly through the complex, Metropolitan Police Division 6 commander Pol Maj Gen Chaikrit Pho-a said.

Authorities spent Sunday mapping the suspected starting area using CCTV footage, videos and images shared on social media. If conditions are safe, forensic police and BMA engineers were expected to enter at 8am on Monday. Their work will focus on the suspected ignition point, electrical systems and access records. Chadchart said the main power supply normally shut off at about 8pm, while the fire began shortly before 9pm, making the timing of the power cut a key point for investigators to verify.