Fire Engulfs Monk's Quarters at Ban So Temple; Residents Help Monks Escape as Firefighters Battle Intense Blaze
A wooden monk's quarters at Ban So Temple in Phayao Province caught fire May 13, destroying the structure while firefighters prevented flames from spreading to the main temple building.
A fire broke out at the monk's quarters of Ban So Temple in Mae Na Ruea Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phayao Province at 8 p.m. on May 13, 2569. The fire started in the wooden structure and spread rapidly due to highly flammable materials, with flames shooting high into the sky, visible from a great distance and alarming nearby residents.
Immediately upon the outbreak, monks and residents rushed to evacuate belongings, electrical appliances, important documents, and religious artifacts from the quarters amid the chaos. Some attempted initial firefighting with water while firefighters from Mae Na Ruea Subdistrict Administration Organization arrived with multiple fire trucks to urgently contain the situation.
Firefighters spent considerable time spraying water to control the intense blaze, concerned it might spread to the temple's main hall and adjacent buildings, until they successfully contained the fire.
Preliminary investigation found the monk's quarters completely destroyed by the fire, leaving only the structural framework. The cause is suspected to be an electrical short circuit or other factors, pending detailed investigation by police and forensic officials.
