Pattaya, April 24th, 2026 – Quick action by Pattaya police officers saved the life of an 89-year-old Russian woman who was trapped on the third floor of a burning four-story townhouse as heavy smoke filled the building.
At approximately 3:00 PM today, officers from Pattaya City Police Station, led by Police Lieutenant Wuttikorn Plodprong, responded to reports of a fierce blaze at house number 338/9 on Phratamnak Road.
Upon arrival, firefighters found flames raging on the fourth floor with thick black smoke pouring out. Five fire trucks from the Pattaya Municipal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division, along with rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, were immediately dispatched. It took more than 30 minutes to bring the fire under control.
While operating in the dense, hazardous smoke, police officers rushed to the third floor and successfully rescued Mrs. Galina, an 89-year-old Russian national, who was suffering from smoke inhalation. She was brought to safety and handed over to rescue workers for initial first aid before being rushed to Pattaya City Hospital.
The owner of the house, Mrs. Nontip Dihtayaphuniwat, 78, told authorities that nine people normally reside in the property. At the time of the fire, only three people were inside. While on the third floor, she noticed an unusual burning smell and saw smoke, prompting her to send a worker upstairs to the fourth floor, where the flames were discovered.
Mrs. Nontip confirmed there had been no open flames or discarded items that could have started the fire.
Investigators, led by Police Lieutenant Itthiphon Tangchuthawit of Pattaya City Police Station, examined the scene. A full investigation by the forensic evidence team will be conducted once the area cools. Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit.
The rescued Russian woman is reported to be in stable condition following prompt medical attention. No other injuries were reported.
