fire has completely destroyed one of Mae Hong Son’s most important art and cultural museums.
mportant Mae Hong Son museum gutted
CHEEWIN SATTHA
MAE HONG SON — A fire has completely destroyed one of the province’s most important art and cultural museums.
Ten fire trucks from Yuam Tai municipality
municipality
Meaning: a town, city or district with its own local government
Thai Translation: เทศบาล
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raced to Mae Sariang district museum and fought a desperate but losing battle to bring the blaze under the control.
No one was injured in the blaze which raced out of control as most of the structure was made of golden teak. Strong winds fanned the flames. The museum and its three main buildings were completely destroyed in the fire.
Police believe the fire, which started at about 6pm, was caused by an electrical short circuit. The cost of the damage is still being assessed.
Mae Sariang tambon administration organisation built the museum at a cost of 12 million baht in 2006. It housed art, cultural and historical items, including examples of local wisdom from the people of Mae Sariang district.
To get an idea of what was lost you can see photos of the museum here. Click on "hide imagery" to see photos at full size.