A devastating fire engulfed the pet section of Bangkok’s renowned Chatuchak Weekend Market on Tuesday morning, claiming the lives of hundreds, potentially thousands, of caged animals. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, along with other officials, rushed to the scene to assess the damage as metal gates were dismantled to rescue surviving animals.
The extent of the damage is still being calculated, with affected shop owners encouraged to register for compensation. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first fire incident at the market, with a previous blaze in 2013 destroying at least 20 shops in the fashion section.
Chatuchak Market, a popular tourist attraction and shopping hub, hosts hundreds of shops offering a wide array of products, including food, clothing, furniture, plants, and books. However, the pet zone has drawn criticism over the years for the substandard conditions in which animals are kept.
Moreover, wildlife organizations have raised concerns about the involvement of some vendors in trafficking rare and endangered species such as turtles, tortoises, and birds. Thailand imposes strict penalties for wildlife trafficking, with violators facing up to four years in jail or a fine of up to 40,000 baht ($1,000). Despite these measures, conservationists argue that many traffickers evade punishment due to their connections with influential figures in the government or military.