Tourists Panic as Smoke Fills Pattaya Hotel Room—Owner Believes Goddess Kali’s Protection Prevented Major Damage
Minor Fire in Hotel Room, No Serious Injuries Reported
PATTAYA, Thailand – A fire broke out in a hotel room on Soi Buakhao, South Pattaya, on the night of February 27, sending tourists and locals into a panic as thick smoke billowed from Room 305. Emergency services, including firefighters, rescue volunteers, and Pattaya police, swiftly responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, they found the building evacuated, with no occupants in the room. Firefighters used two fire trucks to access the room, where they encountered heavy smoke and a strong incense scent. The source of the fire was traced to a carved statue of Goddess Kali burning on a ritual altar near the window. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames with chemical suppressants, preventing more significant damage.
Owner Believes in Divine Protection
The room’s occupant, Ms. Nunnaphat Bangthong, 35, arrived shortly after the incident and explained that she had lit incense and candles earlier in the day in devotion to Goddess Kali, before leaving for work. She was later informed by hotel staff about the fire.
Remarkably, the fire caused only minor damage, and Ms. Nunnaphat believes the minimal destruction was a result of the divine protection of the sacred statue. While the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, authorities suspect that smoldering incense or candles may have reignited nearby objects, sparking the flames.
Safety Advisory for Hotel Guests
Officials have advised hotel guests to exercise caution when using open flames inside their rooms. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident, and the fire was quickly contained
