Fire breaks out at Patong pharmacy

*Fire breaks out at Patong pharmacy — confirmed details at this stage for Phuket readers.*

A fire erupted at a pharmacy on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road in central Patong, Phuket, at approximately 11:40 a.m. on March 23, 2026. Emergency services arrived within 10 minutes to contain the blaze, which sent smoke billowing above the busy commercial district.

Emergency response and damage assessment

Firefighters from Kathu Municipality deployed two water trucks to the scene, bringing the situation under control by 12:15 p.m. The pharmacy, located 200 meters from Patong Beach, sustained significant interior damage, though no injuries were reported among staff or customers. Shop owners in adjacent units evacuated as a precaution, and traffic along the main road was diverted for nearly an hour. Initial estimates suggest losses could exceed 500,000 baht, pending a full survey.

Investigation and business disruption

Police from Patong Station have launched an inquiry into the cause, collecting CCTV footage from nearby businesses and interviewing witnesses. The pharmacy, registered under the name Suriya Medical Supply, will remain closed until safety inspections are completed by the Phuket Provincial Health Office. Local business owners expressed concerns about fire safety compliance in the area, citing three other commercial fires within the last 12 months. Insurance adjusters are expected to begin their assessment on March 24.

Authorities will release preliminary findings from the investigation later this week.

Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/fire-breaks-out-at-patong-pharmacy-99649.php