Pattaya-
A 75 year old Swiss expat, Mr. Albert Winthrop, who is disabled and walks with the assistance of a cane, was injured this morning at around 7:30 AM during a room fire at his condo at the Majestic Condo in Pattaya on Soi Wat Bun Kanchanaram.
Police General Natthawat Ploenchit of Pattaya City Police Station, along with the Public Disaster Relief Unit, the Pattaya City Fire Department and rescue officers of the Sawang Boriboon Foundation responded to the scene after getting panicked phone calls from neighbors at the Majestic Condo.
Mr. Winthrop was found lying on the floor near the exit to his apartment, which was located on the third floor. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment with smoke inhalation related injuries. His condo was heavily damaged by the fire which took about fifteen minutes for Pattaya City Firefighters to put out.
A neighbor told Associated Press that she had heard shouting from the room around 7:00 AM and went to see what was happening. When she saw smoke pouring from the room she said she quickly called emergency services for assistance. She and a neighbor helped pull him directly from the room before firefighters arrived.
Fire Department Investigators say the current cause of the fire is unclear and that Mr. Winthrop was the only occupant of the room. They stated the incident is under investigation and when Mr. Winthrop recovers from his injuries, which he is expected to, they will interview him further to help determine what started the blaze.
Photos: 77Kaoded