Firefighters rush to the scene after flames erupt on the second floor of a building in Soi Thappraya 15, startling residents in the early hours of June 7. PATTAYA, Thailand – A fire broke out in the early hours of June 7, at a condominium on Soi Thappraya 15, prompting a swift response from Pattaya City firefighters, rescue workers, and officers from Pattaya City Police Station. The blaze, reported at 3:36 AM, originated in Building B of the complex. Thick smoke billowed through the structure, causing panic among residents who rushed to evacuate as flames spread quickly from a second-floor unit. Fire crews worked for about 30 minutes before bringing the situation under control, though heavy smoke lingered throughout the building. Initial investigations revealed that the fire started in a room where the owner had been charging an electric bicycle battery near the balcony. Alarmingly, residents noted that the condo’s fire alarm failed to activate until after firefighters had mostly contained the blaze. The room’s occupant, Mr. Dandrieu Thierry, 57, French national, and his Thai wife, recounted the terrifying moment. While they were sleeping, they were jolted awake by an explosion. Mr. Thierry discovered that the e-bike battery had caught fire and initially attempted to extinguish the flames with a damp cloth. However, a second explosion occurred moments later, causing the fire to spread rapidly. Unable to control it, he alerted condo security and called for emergency assistance. Police investigators, led by Pol. Lt. Sakayapap Chaidet, conducted an initial examination and suspect the cause was an electrical short circuit in the battery. The room suffered extensive damage. Forensics officers from Region 2 will conduct a more detailed investigation to confirm the cause of the fire. The incident has sparked concerns among other condo residents, particularly about the delayed activation of the fire alarm system. Many say the scare highlights the urgent need for stricter safety protocols, especially as the popularity of electric vehicles grows. Emergency crews and fire trucks line up in front of the condo as they battle a fierce fire sparked by a battery explosion inside a second-floor unit. Thick smoke and panic spread as a condo fire forces residents to flee; the blaze was triggered by an exploding electric bike battery.