The fire started at about 9:30pm at ‘The Origin Kathu-Patong’ condominium project, located on Phra Phuket Kaew Rd in Kathu, more than three kilometres from the east side of Patong Hill. No injuries were reported as the building is still under construction and unoccupied.
Police said the fire began in a storage room on the first floor that was being used to keep plastic water pipes and electrical wiring. Thick smoke was seen rising from the site before a passerby alerted the Phuket Provincial Police 191 centre, which coordinated with Kathu Police and Kathu Municipality Fire Department.
Fire crews arrived quickly and managed to contain the blaze within about 20 minutes, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the eight-storey building.
The building contractor, Worawut Intharamuni, told police that no one is allowed to enter the site without authorisation, as the area is fenced off. He said he believed the fire was likely caused by an electrical short circuit rather than any deliberate act.
Investigators from the Phuket Provincial Forensic Science Office are expected to inspect the scene to confirm the cause.
Kathu Police Chief Pol Col Pratuang Phonmana confirmed the report, with Pol Lt Col Somchai Nubun assigned as the investigating officer.