On April 23, 2025, a significant fire broke out at the renowned five-star hotel, Daratewee, located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, causing extensive damage estimated at nearly 4 billion baht. The fire started around 2:00 a.m. and raged for several hours before firefighters were able to bring it under control by 5:00 a.m. The incident, which occurred at a construction site of the hotel, raised concerns due to the structure's use of ancient teak wood, which fueled the flames.
Emergency services responded swiftly, deploying over 22 fire trucks from 12 different agencies, including local municipalities and rescue organizations. Surintorn Takead, the Permanent Secretary of Tambon Tha Sala, reported that the fire spread quickly, causing considerable concern for the safety of the construction site. Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities reported.
As of 9:00 a.m. on the same day, officials continued to inspect the area, discovering that some spots were still smoldering. The authorities have cordoned off the site to allow for a thorough investigation by the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department and local police. Initial assessments suggest that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, and further investigations are underway to confirm this theory.
Interestingly, the Daratewee hotel has been undergoing significant changes. After facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel was recently acquired by a new company for approximately 3.9 billion baht. Although the hotel has yet to fully reopen, a portion of the establishment, specifically a café at the entrance, remains operational. This new ownership aims to revitalize the hotel and its services.
Chiang Mai's Provincial Governor has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the fire, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety regulations are adhered to in construction projects. The Governor, along with local officials, visited the scene to oversee the investigation and to ensure that all necessary precautions are being taken to prevent any further incidents.
As the situation develops, officials are particularly concerned about the potential for reignition of the fire due to the nature of the materials involved. The authorities have implemented measures to keep the area damp to mitigate this risk. The hotel, which has been under renovation, has multiple interconnected buildings, and the fire primarily affected the spa facility, which was closed at the time of the incident.
Local residents have expressed their concerns regarding the safety of the construction site, especially given the number of ongoing projects in the vicinity. There are approximately 500 construction projects in the area, highlighting the need for stringent oversight and adherence to safety protocols.
The Daratewee hotel, known for its luxury accommodations and beautiful architecture, has been a landmark in Chiang Mai. The recent developments, including the fire, have drawn significant attention from both the local community and the media. The hotel aims to reopen its doors fully once the investigations are complete and the necessary safety measures are implemented.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the underlying causes of the fire and ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future. The local government is committed to maintaining safety standards across all construction sites, especially those involving historical materials like teak wood.
In the wake of this incident, the community is rallying to support the hotel and its staff, hoping for a swift recovery and a return to normalcy. The Daratewee hotel has long been a symbol of luxury in Chiang Mai, and its revival is seen as crucial for the local economy and tourism sector.
As more updates emerge from the investigation, the future of the Daratewee hotel remains uncertain, but the commitment to safety and compliance with regulations is clear. The local government and community are poised to ensure that the hotel can reopen safely and continue to serve as a premier destination for visitors to Chiang Mai.
