A devastating fire swept through Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of Bangkok’s most iconic shopping destinations, on Tuesday morning, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of caged animals.
The blaze broke out early in the pet section of the market, quickly engulfing over 100 shops, according to a statement from the Bangkok government. It took firefighters approximately an hour to bring the fire under control. Fortunately, there were no human casualties reported. However, local media indicated that the fire claimed the lives of several hundred animals, including puppies, fish, snakes, birds, and rabbits, all confined in cages within the shops.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who visited the scene after the fire was extinguished, stated that the cause of the blaze is currently under investigation. Throughout the morning, officials were seen inspecting the charred remains of the shops and breaking open metal gates to rescue any surviving animals.
Authorities are in the process of assessing the financial damage caused by the fire. Affected shop owners have been advised to register for compensation.
Chatuchak Weekend Market is a significant tourist attraction, drawing visitors worldwide with its extensive array of goods, ranging from food and drink to clothing, furniture, plants, books, and pets. However, the market has faced criticism from wildlife organizations, which have accused some vendors of participating in the illegal trade of rare and endangered species, such as turtles, tortoises, and birds.
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