Around 700 people took part in a Hua Hin fire drill at Market Village on August 20, testing emergency procedures for a major fire inside the shopping centre.
The annual fire suppression and evacuation exercise was observed by Hua Hin District Chief Supachai Krutdam, representatives from Hua Hin Municipality, Hua Hin Police, Tourist Police and Market Village management.
Fire safety specialists, government officials, shopping centre employees and business operators were among those taking part.
Around 700 join Hua Hin fire drill
The exercise simulated an electrical short circuit inside Major Cineplex Hua Hin on the third floor, with the scenario involving a large amount of smoke.
Firefighters from Hua Hin Municipality’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department worked alongside Market Village’s own firefighting team to bring the simulated blaze under control using chemical extinguishers and water.
Teams also practised searching for casualties, providing first aid and transferring injured people to hospital. Staff and visitors were evacuated from the building as part of the exercise.
Supachai said the drill was designed to improve knowledge of fire prevention, emergency response and evacuation procedures.
He said authorities wanted to reduce the risk of loss of life and property in the event of a fire, while also strengthening confidence among Thai and international tourists using the shopping centre.
Market Village General Manager Setthasak Lathong said fire drills are held every year in line with Ministry of Interior requirements, with employees receiving fire safety training at least once annually.
He said different locations and scenarios are used each year to give staff and businesses experience dealing with emergencies in various parts of the centre.
The training is also intended to test equipment and improve coordination between the shopping centre and government emergency services.
Officials said the latest exercise was completed successfully.
