According to tuk tuk driver Sujin Mardosod, 39, the fire broke out at 10.30am at a clothing shop near the entrance to Soi Sea Dragon on Bangla Road.
“I saw smoke coming from the clothing shop and I called the police,” said Mr Sujin, who said he saw the blaze quickly spread to neighbouring buildings, including a tailor's, Smiley Bar, a pharmacy, Calista Massage, and Tomahawk Tattoo.
Seven firetrucks and three municipal water trucks struggled for about 45 minutes to bring the fire under control. They were hampered by difficulties reaching the burning buildings behind the tailor shop, which, along with the clothing store was completely gutted by the fire.
Patong Mayor Charlermluk Kepsap and Kathu District Chief Sayan Chanachaiwong later inspected the scene with Deputy Police Commander Col Pinit Sirichai.
Col Pinit said forensic police are working to determine the cause of the fire, which is estimated to have caused about B5 million of damage.
No injuries were reported.