Pattaya investigates causes of fire at JA Plus Hotel

Authorities in Pattaya have launched a thorough investigation following a serious fire that engulfed the roof of the JA Plus Hotel. The emergency, which occurred on the evening of May 21, led to the urgent evacuation of over 200 guests and injuries to four people. The fire broke out on the seventh floor of the popular hotel, located on Pattaya North Road. Thick smoke quickly filled the building, causing panic among guests of the 173-room hotel. Four injured individuals were hospitalized: two Thai nationals and a young Indonesian national suffered from smoke inhalation. One Thai national sustained extensive burns (over 20% of the body) and severe smoke inhalation while attempting to escape the fire-affected area. The following morning, around 9:00 AM, city officials, led by acting chief of building control Marut Uthaiwattananoon, began inspecting the scene. Preliminary data suggests the fire started in the rooftop recreation area. The rapid spread of the flames is attributed to the use of flammable materials. The lower floors, according to preliminary information, were primarily affected by smoke. After an initial half-hour assessment of structural integrity, a decision was made for a full engineering examination of the building. The JA Plus Hotel has been ordered to temporarily cease operations until a comprehensive safety inspection is completed. The hotel operator is obliged to provide a detailed report on the incident. Key load-bearing structures are believed to be undamaged, but final permission to resume operations will only be granted after a comprehensive inspection. All 120 rooms occupied at the time of the fire were evacuated. Guests were promptly accommodated in neighboring hotels with the assistance of the administration and city authorities. For readers: In case of a hotel fire, always follow staff instructions and use emergency exits, not elevators.