Night Market Fire in Phitsanulok Sends Vendors and Tourists Fleeing; Damage Assessment Underway

On the evening of August 6, 2026, a fire broke out inside a night market in downtown Phitsanulok, prompting more than 200 vendors and visitors to flee in panic. Firefighters brought the blaze under control within 45 minutes, but several stalls were damaged and some people suffered minor injuries after jumping away from the flames.

Officials received the first report at 19:12 that thick smoke and visible flames were erupting from the food zone and central stalls—an area that is busy every evening. The Phitsanulok municipality fire team and nearby district disaster response units deployed more than six fire engines and personnel to the scene, while volunteer rescue teams helped evacuate vendors and customers.

Preliminary inquiries indicate the blaze likely started from careless cooking at a food kiosk that used liquefied petroleum gas. The fire spread quickly to nearby combustible materials, including tarpaulins and wooden frames. Authorities said the market was crowded at the time, and several people suffered minor injuries from jumping to escape and from smoke inhalation; some elderly people required special assistance. Naresuan University Hospital and Phutthachinarat Hospital took in the injured for treatment.

The director of prevention and mitigation for Phitsanulok Municipality said that although firefighters contained the blaze within a few dozen minutes, heat and smoke caused damage to nearby shops and soot contamination. At least 8–10 stalls were heavily burned, and a more detailed damage assessment will be carried out the following morning. Officials have cordoned off the hazardous area for evidence collection.

The incident shocked the local community and small business owners who depend on the night market for income. Tourists were also affected by temporary road closures and lingering smoke odors in the surrounding area. A vendors’ association representative called on authorities to provide training on safe use of cooking gas and fire-prevention measures for roadside sellers, to expedite assessments for compensation, and to develop assistance plans for traders facing temporary loss of income.

The Muang Phitsanulok Police said they will gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine the cause. If negligence of safety regulations is found, legal action will be considered to prevent recurrence. The provincial tourism office has coordinated with hotels and attractions to share travel and safety information with visitors. The community plans to hold a discussion with relevant agencies next week to agree on prevention measures and economic recovery efforts following the fire.