Police have so far found no evidence of arson in the Klongthom Shopping Centre fire to support speculation of a conspiracy to force some businesses out, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Sunday.
He said the stability of the fire-ravaged structure was now being assessed before a full forensic inspection could begin.
Police have questioned nearly 100 witnesses and affected parties, with most accounts indicating that smoke was first seen emerging from the central section of the building before the fire spread rapidly through the complex, according to Pol Maj Gen Chaikrit Pho-a, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 6.
A huge fire tore through the popular shopping centre on Worachak Road on Friday night, causing extensive damage, including the collapse of large sections of the building.
– Structural assessment under way –
Mr Chadchart inspected the site on Sunday with officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and local police. He said authorities were focusing on three priorities: extinguishing lingering hotspots, assessing the building’s structural integrity, and preparing for its eventual demolition.
Access to the interior remained restricted because the collapse of the second floor left columns, beams and debris piled up in the lower-level retail area, creating safety risks for emergency personnel.
Material trapped inside could also still fuel flare-ups, making it unsafe for officials to carry out a full inspection.
The BMA would ask structural experts who previously assisted in the response to the collapse of the State Audit Office tower to help determine which sections could be safely removed to allow crews to reach areas where there were still hot spots.
– Forensic inspection –
Authorities spent Sunday preparing a map of the area where the fire is believed to have begun and them spread through the building, drawing on CCTV footage, video clips and images shared on social media.
If safety conditions permit, forensic police and BMA engineers were expected to enter the site at 8am on Monday to begin looking for the cause of the blaze.
The investigation would focus on the suspected ignition point, electrical systems and records of access to the building.
Mr Chadchart said the building’s main power supply was normally shut off about 8pm each day, yet the fire broke out shortly before 9pm. Investigators would therefore need to verify the electrical system and determine exactly when power was cut.
– Traders still barred from site –
Pol Maj Gen Chaikrit confirmed the investigation had so far uncovered no indication that the blaze was linked to arson or any alleged attempt to force businesses from the market building. Most of those questioned had filed complaints over damage to goods and property.
Police have maintained round-the-clock security at the site and are not allowing traders or business operators to enter because the structure remains unsafe.
The cause of the fire will not be determined until forensic examinations and structural assessments are completed, he said.