Three foreign nationals lost their lives, and seven others were injured in a devastating fire that broke out at The Ember Hotel near Khao San Road in Bangkok on Sunday, December 29, at 9:21 p.m. The blaze, which originated in Room 511 on the fifth floor, prompted emergency evacuations as thick smoke engulfed the six-story building, forcing some guests to seek refuge on the rooftop.
One of the deceased, identified as 24-year-old Brazilian Pimentel Canales Albuquerque, was found in Room 511, where the fire is believed to have started. Albuquerque’s boyfriend, who had recently proposed to her, told police they attempted to escape together but became separated in the smoke. Investigators speculate she may have entered Room 511, mistaking it for an exit, before succumbing to the fumes.
The other victims were identified as Ukrainian national Victor Tuzov, 32, and American Timothy Freeman Jr., 35. Both sustained severe injuries and died later in the hospital. The injured include two Thai nationals and five foreigners from various countries, including Japan and the Netherlands.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt ordered the temporary closure of the hotel pending a comprehensive safety review. Initial inspections revealed the building, converted from a cluster of shophouses, had two fire exits and adequate extinguishers as required by law. However, the absence of balconies caused smoke to spread rapidly, complicating evacuation efforts.
The Interior Ministry has urged nationwide inspections of hotels, tourist sites, and entertainment venues to ensure compliance with safety standards during the peak New Year season. Governor Chadchart and Deputy Interior Minister Teerarat Samrejvanich visited the site, emphasizing the need for strict safety measures.
The Ember Hotel, licensed in 2020 and operational since 2022, will remain closed until authorities complete their investigations and the necessary safety upgrades are implemented. Meanwhile, the families of the deceased will receive compensation of 1 million baht each, while the injured will be awarded 500,000 baht each, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
