A fire raged through a community in Lat Krabang district of eastern Bangkok on Sunday night, killing a 4-month-old child and burning down about 22 houses.
Police were alerted of the fire in a community along a canal near Wat Sangkharacha in Soi Lat Krabang 3 about 11pm.
The flames tore through houses made mostly of wood, and thick smoke was spilling into the air when firefighters arrived. They spent about two hours battling the blaze before bringing it under control.
Lat Krabang police chief Pol Col Sarawuth Siri said an initial count showed that 22 houses burned down. The toddler's body was found in the charred ruins of one house.
The infant's father, Yutthana Wanichphansakul, 40, told police he had been hanging out with his friends at the entrance to the soi since about 4pm.
Usually other family members were in the house, but on Sunday night his 7-year-old daughter and 4-month-old son were home alone, he said.
When he saw the fire he rushed home to find his daughter running out of the property without the baby, who was left behind in the house engulfed by flames.
He said he tried to go inside to help his son but neighbours stopped him as the fire was raging out of control and spreading too quickly.
Pol Col Sarawuth said the cause of the fire had not yet been determined.
Temporary shelter was being provided at a nearby temple for residents left homeless by the blaze.
