Hundreds of animals die in Bangkok market fire

Hundreds of animals have been killed in a fire at the Chatuchak market in Bangkok, according to local media reports.

Monkeys, dogs, cats, birds and fish died in the fire in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The Bangkok Post newspaper reported that exotic species had been among the animals killed while The Nation wrote that snakes, rabbits and chickens had perished in the blaze.

No humans were harmed by the fire.

The area of Chatuchak where animals are sold is known as Sri Somrat market.

It includes 118 stalls covering an area of about 1400 square metres.

Investigations into the cause of the fire were still continuing on Tuesday.

It has been established that the fire broke out shortly after 4am.

Animals made loud cries, an unnamed eyewitness told The Nation.

The fire was reportedly brought under control after about 30 minutes.

The Chatuchak market is one of the largest weekend markets in Thailand.

According to the operators, it attracts about 200,000 visitors every Saturday and Sunday.

The open-air market offers food, clothing, art and household appliances at about 15,000 stalls.

Thai police suspect that an electrical short circuit was the cause of the blaze.

with AP