In a recent incident that has drawn attention in Chiang Mai, a fire broke out at the historic Dara Tevee Hotel, located in the Tha Sala district, around 11:30 AM on April 24, 2025. The fire, which was quickly brought under control, has raised questions regarding its cause and the management of the property.
According to reports, the fire began in a central area of the building, which has been closed and unused for some time. Local authorities acted promptly, dispatching fire trucks to the scene to extinguish the flames and prevent further damage. Police have cordoned off the area to ensure safety and to facilitate an investigation into the incident.
Suparerk Setsathapornpoj, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Siam Estate Dara Tevee Co., Ltd., addressed the media, emphasizing that the building had not been in operation and had no active electricity or insurance coverage for fire damage. He stated, "The Dara Tevee Hotel and the buildings that were damaged in the fire are not insured because they are wooden structures and have not been opened for service. There was no electricity supplied to the building, and the electricity used for the market is unrelated to the site of the incident."
The hotel, which was acquired for over 3 billion baht, is part of a larger asset consolidation plan. Suparerk acknowledged the emotional significance of the building, saying it holds great sentimental value due to its historical importance. He expressed concern about the potential loss of such a valuable piece of heritage, which may not be replicable in the future.
Despite the fire, operations related to the Dara Tevee market, which promotes cultural tourism and community economics, will continue. An event titled "Dara Tevee Summer Music in the Garden" was originally scheduled for April 25-27 but has been postponed to May 1-4 for safety reasons.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, with initial assessments suggesting it may have originated from an electrical fault or other negligence. Evidence collected at the site will be analyzed in a laboratory in Lampang province to determine the exact cause.
While the investigation is ongoing, Suparerk has firmly denied speculations that the fire was intentionally set for insurance purposes. "The rumors that we set the fire to claim insurance money are not true," he stated. "The building has been abandoned for a long time, and we have not made any fire insurance claims."
This incident has sparked discussions about fire safety regulations in heritage buildings, especially those that are not actively maintained. The Dara Tevee Hotel, known for its unique architecture and cultural significance, stands as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical sites while ensuring they are safe and secure.
As investigations continue, the community remains hopeful that the Dara Tevee Hotel can be restored, preserving its legacy for future generations. The commitment to cultural tourism and community engagement is evident in the plans for the Dara Tevee market, which aims to be a vibrant hub for local artisans and visitors alike.
With the upcoming music event, organizers are optimistic about the positive impact it will have on the community, fostering a spirit of resilience and collaboration in the face of adversity. The Dara Tevee Hotel's story is far from over, and its future will be shaped by the actions taken today.
