Pattaya, Thailand – January 8th, 2026
Residents and tourists in Pattaya were left in panic on Thursday afternoon as a thick plume of smoke billowed across the city’s skyline, triggered by a fierce grass fire believed to have been deliberately set.
The blaze broke out around 1:30 p.m. near the community office in Khao Talo on Moo 11 in the Nong Prue sub-district. Firefighters from multiple units, including Nong Prue Municipality and Pattaya City, rushed to the scene with several fire engines to battle the rapidly spreading flames.
The fire consumed more than 10 rai (approximately 4 acres) of grassland, fueled by strong winds that propelled dense smoke high into the sky and across the entire Pattaya area. The ominous cloud caused widespread alarm among locals and visitors, with many choking on the smoke and fleeing to open areas.
Fire crews worked for nearly an hour before bringing the inferno under control. Fortunately, the flames did not reach nearby residential homes, and no injuries were reported from smoke inhalation.
Jom Songkhramrod, a 58-year-old community caretaker, told reporters that a smaller fire had occurred earlier around noon the same day. Firefighters were called and appeared to extinguish it completely. However, in the early afternoon, residents alerted her to a second blaze, which had spread extensively.
She expressed strong suspicion of arson, noting that the two ignition points were about 100 meters apart, and the incidents occurred less than an hour apart.
Social media was flooded with videos and photos captured by residents showing the massive smoke plume engulfing Pattaya’s sky. Many described the scene as alarming, with some residents experiencing breathing difficulties but escaping serious harm.
Authorities are expected to investigate the cause, with suspicions pointing toward deliberate ignition.
