A devastating fire at Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, Thailand, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of caged animals early Tuesday morning. The blaze, reportedly caused by an electrical short circuit, rapidly engulfed more than 100 shops in the pet section of the market.
Despite the quick response by authorities who managed to control the fire within an hour, the fire claimed the lives of numerous animals, including puppies, fish, snakes, birds, and rabbits. Fortunately, no human casualties were reported.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt visited the scene following the containment of the fire. He encouraged the public to support the affected shop owners by offering temporary homes for the surviving animals.
Throughout the morning, officials were seen examining the burnt shops and rescuing animals that had survived the ordeal. The authorities are currently assessing the financial impact of the fire and have advised affected shop owners to register for compensation.
Chatuchak Weekend Market is a significant tourist attraction, drawing almost 200,000 visitors every weekend who come to explore its diverse array of goods, including food, clothing, furniture, plants, books, and pets.
However, the market has long been under scrutiny for allegations of wildlife trafficking. In 2013, Thai police discovered numerous protected animals, including 14 white lions imported from Africa, linked to an exotic pet shop owner at the market.
In response to the fire, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) emphasized the need for urgent reforms. PETA’s senior vice president, Jason Baker, condemned the use of animals for entertainment and called on the Thai government to prevent the market from reopening under its current conditions. The organization highlighted the suffering of captive animals and advocated for their protection.
The Wildlife Friends Foundation in Thailand echoed these sentiments, criticizing the market as a disgrace to Bangkok. The foundation’s director, Edwin Wiek, condemned the illegal smuggling and mistreatment of animals, pointing out the ethical, health, and safety concerns associated with such practices. The incident has intensified calls for stricter regulations and better enforcement to prevent further cruelty and ensure animal welfare.
