Fire destroys row of shops on Phi Phi
People look at the remains of shops that were destroyed by fire on Krabi’s Phi Phi Island yesterday. Despite assistance from locals and tourists, it took more than two hours to extinguish the fire.
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A fire raged through a row of shops yesterday on Koh Phi Phi, causing more than Bt2 million in damage. No one was hurt.
Bars, grocer shops and a fishing equipment rental store were gutted. The fire erupted at around 11.30am and swiftly raged through more than 10 shops. Residents and tourists rushed to help police officers extinguish the flames. It took more than two hours to put out the blaze, which was strengthened by strong winds. Krabi governor Siva Sirisaovalak praised the tourists and everyone involved for their part in extinguishing the fire. "Had they not joined hands, the damage could have been much more widespread," Siva said. Phi Phi police chief Lt Col Jakra Saovakul said witnesses suggested a short circuit was the cause. Siva said Phi Phi was overcrowded and should be re-planned to ensure emergency help could reach trouble spots more swiftly. "A revamp would enhance order on the island," the governor said. He said funds had already been allocated to the island's disaster prevention and mitigation centre. Now fully recovered from the 2004 tsunami, the Andaman island was attracting huge numbers of tourists.
The Nation Krabi
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