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Hotel fire was not terror attack, say Thai tourism authorities
Thai tourism authorities have issued a statement following a hotel fire in Bangkok which is believed to have killed two tourists.
It said police suspect the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit and bears no relation to the recent terrorism threats in the city.
The blaze broke out at the Grand Park Avenue Bangkok Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 22 on Thursday night.
The nationality of the tourist who was killed instantly has not yet been confirmed but it is reported that a Russian tourist has since died from smoke inhalation.
Hotel guests were immediately moved to the safety of nearby hotels by the Thai Hotel Association.
Around 25 guests were transferred to local hospitals for treatment, mostly related to smoke inhalation.
"Fires in tourist accommodation in Thailand are very rare," said the Tourism Authority of Thailand statement.
"All tourist accommodation is covered by fire and safety regulations and they undergo regular inspections to ensure they provide the safest possible facilities for visitors to Thailand."
It said travellers with a reservation at the Grand Park Avenue should contact their travel agent or tour operator to make alternative arrangements until further notice.
The hotel has not yet announced when it plans to reopen.
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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