A fire broke out at a residence in the Thonburi district of Bangkok on Saturday (July 18), resulting in the deaths of an elderly couple and 73 cats. Only 17 cats were rescued and are currently waiting for adoption.
According to Thai media reports, the police received a report around 6 am that a house in the Samre area had caught fire. When emergency responders arrived at the scene, the blaze was engulfing the first floor of the three-story house and spreading to the second floor. The firefighters brought the situation under control in about 15 minutes.
Upon entering the house, rescue personnel found the bodies of a 62-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman in a room on the second floor. Police also discovered the bodies of more than 30 cats in cages, and in their initial search, managed to rescue 13 surviving cats.
The police stated that the fire was initially determined to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, but investigators are still looking into the incident to confirm the exact cause of the fire.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart visited the house and listened to briefings from emergency officials.
He pointed out that the number of deceased cats has risen to 73, with 17 surviving. The rescued animals were initially sent to the Thonburi District Office, then transferred to the Bangkok City Government Cat and Dog Shelter located in the Prawet district.
Chadchart called on anyone interested in adopting the surviving cats to contact the shelter.
"I would like to express my condolences. They were good people, caring for nearly 100 cats. If anyone would like to adopt these 17 surviving cats, please come forward and contact us."
He added that it is believed many of the animals died from smoke inhalation while being confined in cages.
Based on preliminary evaluations, officials believe the fire started on the ground floor and then spread upstairs.
"I would like to express my condolences to the victims’ families. This is a tragedy none of us want to see. Everyone needs to be more vigilant in our daily lives."