Flames tore through the ornate spa complex of Chiang Mai’s famed Dhara Dhevi Hotel in the early hours of Wednesday morning, completely destroying the two-story teakwood structure that had stood as a centerpiece of the luxury property. The 2am blaze required dozens of fire trucks and two intense hours to bring under control, though fortunately no injuries were reported as the building had been vacant during renovations with its power already disconnected.

Fire at hotel on Bangkok’s Khao San Road claims 3 lives, leaves 7 injured

The destroyed 2,000-square-meter spa marked the latest setback for the sprawling 153-rai Lanna-style resort, which has weathered nearly two decades of financial turbulence since its 2004 debut. Originally constructed at a cost exceeding 3 billion baht, the five-star property with 123 guest rooms had recently changed hands in a 2.11 billion baht auction after accruing 4.3 billion baht in debts and facing pandemic-era closures.

เปิดภาพความเสียหาย "โรงแรมดาราเทวี" หลังเกิดเพลิงไหม้กลางดึก ผ่านไป 13 ชม. คุมเพลิงได้แล้ว 100 เปอร์เซ็นต์

โดยเพลิงได้ไหม้ส่วนหนึ่งของอาคารภายในโรงแรม (สปา) พื้นที่ประมาณ 500 ตารางวา ปัจจุบันปิดไว้ไม่ได้ใช้งาน
.
อ่านข่าว https://t.co/y7QwKr4JbV#เชียงใหม่นิวส์ #chiangmainews pic.twitter.com/E0T5hWcr8q

— Chiang Mai News (@chiangmainews) April 23, 2025

New owners Siam Estate Dhara Dhevi Co, who invested 3.9 billion baht in reviving the property, had only partially reopened operations with the market and café areas welcoming guests again. Assistant Mayor Surin Thakerd confirmed the fire caused no damage to surrounding neighborhoods, while investigators work to determine what sparked the flames in the vacant spa that had been undergoing refurbishment.

Panicked Guests Flee Pattaya Hotel Fire

The incident adds another chapter to the storied hotel’s troubled history – from its celebrated opening as a jewel of northern Thai hospitality to its financial struggles and pandemic shutdown, followed by the current revival efforts now facing this unexpected challenge. As crews assess the damage, management emphasizes that unaffected portions of the resort remain open, preserving what they can of this iconic property’s legacy while navigating its complex rebirth.

-Thailand News (TN)