Over 1,000 animals killed in fire at Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market

A firefighter carries injured chickens in a cage following a fire at a pet market next to Chatuchak market in Bangkok on June 11, 2024. A fire ripped through pet shops next to Bangkok’s famed Chatuchak market early June 11, killing caged dogs, cats, birds and snakes, and damaging more than 100 stalls, police said. Agence France-Presse

BANGKOK — More than 1,000 pets and ornamental fish were reportedly killed after fire broke out in Chatuchak Market in Bangkok in the early hours of Tuesday (June 11).

The fire ignited at 4:30 am, burning all 118 stores in Sri Somrat Market, which is considered Chatuchak Market’s pet zone.

Animals affected by the fire included dogs, cats, rabbits, snakes, birds, Siamese fighting fish, and chickens. No people were injured during the incident.

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More than 10 water trucks were deployed to the scene. Firefighters took about an hour to distinguish the flames. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Snakes, which died in a fire at a pet market next to Chatuchak market, are seen in Bangkok on June 11, 2024. A fire ripped through pet shops next to Bangkok’s famed Chatuchak market early June 11, killing caged dogs, cats, birds and snakes, and damaging more than 100 stalls, police said. Agence France-Presse

Meanwhile, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt has instructed officials to assist victims of the incident. He also invited people to purchase pets at the market to help retailers there.

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An unidentified guard at the bird shop told the press that the fire broke out while she was watching over rare birds on the mezzanine floor. She heard the cries of animals but faced difficulties breathing so ran outside.