Blaze at Popular Rayong Eatery: Massive Fire Engulfs Muang Pork Rice Restaurant

RAYONG, Thailand — A fiery blaze broke out at a popular local pork rice restaurant on Thabank Road in Rayong province's Muang district on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, sending dense plumes of black smoke into the sky and triggering a swift response from local emergency services.

The fire ignited during the busy morning hours while staff were preparing food and serving early customers. Flames quickly caught onto kitchen ventilation units and spread rapidly through the timber-and-tile structure of the beloved eatery, threatening neighboring commercial shopfronts along the narrow street.

Panic ensued as customers and staff rushed to clear the premises, while nearby business owners scrambled to retrieve valuables and secure gas canisters to prevent further explosions.

Local fire departments and disaster prevention teams responded immediately to the scene with multiple water tenders, battling the intense flames for nearly an hour with high-pressure streams to prevent the blaze from jumping to adjacent wooden buildings. Emergency crews safely evacuated nearby residents and shopkeepers while establishing a traffic perimeter along Thabank Road to allow rescue vehicles clear access. While no fatalities were reported, several staff members received on-site medical attention from rescue volunteers for mild smoke inhalation, and the restaurant building sustained extensive interior and structural damage.

Preliminary reports from local police suggest the fire may have originated from an unattended cooking stove or a gas leak in the kitchen area. Forensic officers and municipal engineers remain at the site to conduct a thorough inspection, determine the exact cause of the ignition, and evaluate the structural integrity of the affected property.

In response to the incident, the Muang Rayong District Office announced upcoming safety audits for all commercial kitchens and street-side eateries throughout the municipality, focusing on fire suppression systems and liquid petroleum gas storage compliance. Local merchant associations have also rallied to launch a temporary relief fund to assist affected workers and help neighboring business owners cover cleanup and repair costs following the disruption.