Chiang Mai's Famed Dhara Dhevi Hotel Hit by Fire

BANGKOK, April 24 (TNA) - Authorities in Chiang Mai are investigating a fire that engulfed the spa buildings of the once-renowned Dhara Dhevi Hotel, a former five-star luxury resort. 

The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of April 23, destroyed at least seven wooden structures and a collection of artifacts.

While no injuries or fatalities were reported, the extent of the damage to the iconic Lanna-style architecture is significant. 

Police have indicated that the cause of the fire is currently undetermined, with possibilities ranging from an electrical fault to human action. It has also been revealed that the hotel did not have fire insurance coverage. 

The fire ravaged a group of seven wooden buildings on the right wing of the property, which previously housed the hotel's spa. 

Caretakers confirmed that this section of the resort had been closed for several years following the hotel's closure and subsequent auction after over four years of inactivity. 

The water and electricity systems in the affected area had reportedly been shut off. A security guard said that no unauthorized individuals were seen entering the premises.

The Dhara Dhevi, once a jewel of Thai hospitality known globally for its opulent Lanna architecture across its 150-rai estate (about 60 acres) since its opening in 2004, faced accumulated losses leading to its closure during the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2020 and was later sold at auction. 

A winning bidder acquired the property in 2024 and had only begun redevelopment efforts two months prior to the fire, with plans to renovate the hotel. -819 (TNA)