Flames ravage Dhara Dhevi Hotel's spa complex in Chiang Mai
Updated Article:
Fire Ravages Debt-Ridden Dhara Dhevi Hotel Spa Complex in Chiang Mai
On a gloomy morning in Chiang Mai, a blaze abruptly erupted at the financially strained Dhara Dhevi Hotel. The Lanna-style establishment, notorious for its mounting debts, saw its wooden spa complex reduced to ashes. Thankfully, no lives were lost in this catastrophe.
The inferno was reported around 2 a.m. A flotilla of firefighters and vehicles raced to the scene, extinguishing the flames over the span of two grueling hours.
The damaged complex, located at the hotel's front gate and undergoing renovations, was a victim of the blaze. The five-star hotel sprawls across a 153-rai compound and was recently auctioned off for 2.11 billion baht due to financial woes. Previously, the hotel's debt burden was reported to be a staggering 4.3 billion baht[1][3].
Assistant Mayor for tambon Tha Sala, Surin Thakerd, informed us that the fire tore through the ornate two-story teakwood spa complex, with nobody present at the time the fire ignited[1].
Prior to the accident, the hotel had partially reactivated its market and café zones. Unfortunately, the future of these operations remains uncertain. Recently, the Siam Estate Dhara Dhevi Co. invested a sizable 3.9 billion baht to take over the hotel, with the destroyed spa complex covering about 2,000 square meters[1].
The damaged complex lacked insurance coverage and reportedly had its power supply turned off before the tragedy[2]. Local public works officials assure us that nearby communities were unharmed by the blaze.
The Dhara Dhevi Hotel made its debut in 2004, constructed at a cost over 3 billion baht. It boasted 123 guest rooms. Since its inception, the hotel has grappled with a succession of financial woes, necessitating the search for new investors. Regrettably, these difficulties persisted even during the pandemic, causing the hotel to announce a "temporary" closure[3][5].
As authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the fire, the Dhara Dhevi Hotel prepares to address the aftermath of this devastating event.
Enrichment Data:- Fire Incident: A significant fire broke out early on April 23, 2023, at the hotel's spa complex. The blaze destroyed the wooden spa building, which was undergoing renovation and had been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the extensive damage, there were no casualties reported[1][3][4].
- Investigation: The cause of the fire is under investigation by local authorities, including forensic investigators and police. The site has been cordoned off for further examination[1].
- Business and Financial Status: The Dhara Dhevi Hotel had been facing financial difficulties for years, culminating in a temporary closure during the pandemic. It was sold at auction for 2.11 billion baht but still carries a significant debt burden of 4.3 billion baht[3][5]. The damaged spa complex is uninsured[2].
- Operations: Before the fire, certain parts of the hotel, such as the market and café areas, had partially reopened. However, it is unclear how the fire will affect these operations going forward[3].
- The Dhara Dhevi Hotel, located in Chiang Mai, is a five-star establishment that spans a 153-rai compound and includes a spa complex, which was unfortunately destroyed by a fire.
- The fire that ravaged the Dhara Dhevi Hotel's spa complex on April 23, 2023, left the uninsured facility in ruins despite ongoing renovations.
- The general news has been filled with reports of fires in Chiang Mai, notably the devastating incident at the Dhara Dhevi Hotel, which was auctioned off due to financial struggles but still carries a massive debt of 4.3 billion baht.
- The tragic fire incident at the Dhara Dhevi Hotel in Chiang Mai, although causing no car-accidents or fatalities, has undoubtedly forced the hotel to reassess its operations, particularly those involving the market and café areas.
