SUV Engine Catches Fire in Chonburi; Cause Unknown

An SUV caught fire without apparent cause shortly after the driver returned from dropping her grandchild at school. The owner noticed smoke billowing from the engine compartment and decided to pull over, but the fire erupted moments later. July 9, 2026 – While conducting traffic patrols in the Ban Lamung area of Chonburi province, Lt. Col. Nateekarn Yodsrouy, deputy traffic commander of Ban Lamung Police Station, discovered the burning SUV parked beside the road near a tire shop close to Chaiyapruet Lane, Moo 4, Nong Prueao Subdistrict, Ban Lamung District. Heavy smoke was pouring from the engine compartment. He immediately closed the road and coordinated with Pattaya City Fire Department and the Saang Boriburn Foundation rescue unit.

The vehicle showed flames and thick smoke erupting from the engine bay. Staff from nearby tire shops and motorcycle repair shops attempted to control the blaze using chemical extinguishers and water, but were unsuccessful as the fire spread rapidly, creating large fireballs. When the Saang Boriburn Foundation fire truck arrived, firefighters deployed water cannons to contain the fire, which took 5 minutes to control. Inspection revealed the engine compartment was completely destroyed while the passenger cabin sustained partial damage.

Rada, 56, the SUV owner, explained that she was driving home after dropping off her grandchild when she noticed abnormal conditions with smoke coming from the engine compartment near Chaiyapruet Lane. She decided to pull over and call for help. Within minutes of getting out to check, flames suddenly burst out and spread rapidly. She has owned the vehicle for approximately 4-5 years and remains uncertain about the cause of the fire. She considers herself fortunate the incident did not occur while driving her grandchild to school.