Flames ravage Dhara Dhevi Hotel's spa complex in Chiang Mai.
Title: Brand New Day at the Burdened Dhara Dhevi Hotel, Chiang Mai
Wake up, Chiang Mai! It's a rough Tuesday as one of the city's iconic sites, the Dhara Dhevi Hotel, faced a blaze in the wee hours of the morning. Thankfully, no casualties were reported.
The fire department was at the scene as early as 2 am, swarming the premises with over two dozen fire crews and engines. They spent a grueling two hours battling the ravenous flames that consumed the hotel's wooden spa complex.
Located in a massive 153-rai (24.48-acre) compound, the five-star hotel recently reemerged on the scene, but it's back to square one due to this unfortunate event. The hotel has seen its fair share of financial struggles and, after changing hands at an auction, it bore a debt of 4.3 billion baht. The poor scoundrel even fetched only 2.11 billion baht during the auction.
The destroyed spa complex, featuring teak wood architecture, covered about 2,000 square meters. Despite being under renovation, the impact of the fire left its mark, marring the grandeur of the hotel.
With the latest mishap, it appears the hotel's rollercoaster ride isn't slowing down. The recently opened market and café zones, which had been a glimmer of hope, were part of its last-ditch effort to bounce back.
According to Surin Thakerd, assistant mayor for tambon Tha Sala, the damaged spa complex was a significant structure within the hotel compound. Though vacant at the time of the fire, it was a major blow to the already stricken hotel.
The Dhara Dhevi Hotel, a beacon of Lanna-style architecture, was constructed in 2002 and opened its doors in 2004, starting its journey with 123 guest rooms. It's been struggling financially since its launch, facing a series of setbacks that culminated in a search for new investors.
The pandemic didn't help its woes and forced it to announce a brief closure. How this latest chapter unfolds remains to be seen as investigations into the cause of the fire pick up steam.
It seems like it's back to the drawing board for the Dhara Dhevi Hotel. Stay tuned for updates on its future revival plans.
[[Image: Kusol Songkor Chiangmai Rescue Association]]In the wake of destruction, the burned-out shell of the Dhara Dhevi Hotel's spa complex.
[[Image (optional): Dhara Dhevi Hotel as seen in 2014]]A faded reminder of dazzling days bygone for the once-revered Dhara Dhevi Hotel.
Sources: [1] Bankok post, [2] The Nation, [3] Thai PBS, [4] PR Dneg Fire Investigation
Despite the setback caused by the intense fire at the Dhara Dhevi Hotel's spa complex in Chiang Mai, the hotel still operates as a functioning hotel. The hotel, situated within a massive star-rated compound, might need to undergo renovations to restore the damaged area.
The fire damaged a significant structure that was under renovation, calling for general news coverage of the car-accidents and fires event at the hotel. This unfortunate event adds to the hotel's existing financial struggles.
The today's news of the fire evokes memories of the initial financial burdens that the hotel faced since its launch in 2004. In the face of these adversities, the hotel will have to reassess its revival plans to regain its former glory.
The Dhara Dhevi Hotel, renowned for its Lanna-style architecture, has been a vital part of the 'General News' section due to its financial struggles and various setbacks it has experienced throughout the years.
