Novice Monk Stops Fire in Eight-Story Building, Chachoengsao
A fire erupted in an eight‑story apartment building behind Suwin Wong Market in Chachoengsao on October 4, forcing hundreds of residents to flee. A 19‑year‑old novice monk, who is also a volunteer firefighter, rushed in with a fire extinguisher and helped put out the blaze before fire crews arrived. No injuries were reported and the cause is still under investigation.
Firefighters later arrived, laid hoses, and sprayed water to cool the area and clear smoke, bringing the situation under control after about an hour. The room where the fire started appeared to be unoccupied; officials suspect it belonged to a Myanmar worker employed at a nearby factory who was unaware of the blaze. The building is used to house Myanmar migrant workers. When questioned, novice monk Suwathin explained that he had come with relatives to float ancestral bones at the Bang Pakong River near Wat Sothon Wararam Worawiharn. On the way back, he saw smoke, decided to investigate, and acted because he is a volunteer firefighter with the Rom Sai Foundation at the Suwin Wong point and has experience in fire‑fighting. He said that even though he was wearing saffron robes, he felt compelled to help when people were in danger. No injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the exact cause, checking whether a power bank or other electrical equipment in the room sparked the fire.
