There was more bad news for weightlifter Pensiri Laosirikul after her defeat at Beijing. Her apartment at a Chiang Mai camp caught fire, killing two pet dogs.

The Army's Panpattana camp in Mae Rim district was used as an athletics' training ground.

The fire broke out at Pensiri's room at about 10.30am and took fire fighters 15 minutes to put out. All her belongings were damaged and her two pet dogs also died. Police suspect a short circuit caused the fire.

Fellow weightlifters training at the camp told police that they smelt smoke while watching Pensiri on TV.

They saw smoke coming out from Pensiri's room but they could not get in to retrieve the dogs and her belongings.

Meanwhile, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn comforted Pensiri and her fellow weightlifter Premsiri Bunpithak after the failed to win a medal yesterday.

The Princess watched the two compete in the women's 48-kilo division.