Chinese New Year Candles Spark House Fire in Nakhon Pathom

NAKHON PATHOM — On February 16, 2026, a townhouse fire erupted in Nakhon Pathom after candles left unattended from Chinese New Year prayers reportedly caused the blaze. Police from Mueang Nakhon Pathom station responded to a report at 10:30 AM in the Phra Ngam community, 445 Phra Pathom Chedi subdistrict. Firefighters, led by Mayor Somchoke Pongkwan, battled the flames spreading from the second floor of a two-story concrete townhouse. It took over 20 minutes to control the fire, which originated near a household altar where family members had performed religious rituals earlier that morning. The homeowner, 72-year-old Thongsuk Chaihawong, had apparently not fully extinguished candles after conducting Chinese New Year prayers. Passers-by spotted smoke billowing from windows and doors, prompting the emergency response. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.