Post-Earthquake Inspections Declared 34 Buildings in Thailand Off-Limits

In the wake of a recent earthquake, a thorough inspection of 3,375 buildings was conducted across Thailand by the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning (DPT) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). This large-scale evaluation, held from March 28 to April 1, revealed that 34 buildings were severely damaged, necessitating their closure. Meanwhile, 3,130 structures were deemed safe, and 211 exhibited moderate damage. The comprehensive inspection encompassed three primary groups: government buildings like public hospitals and schools, private sector high-rises, and a variety of residential and commercial buildings. Each category underwent specific scrutiny by respective authorities such as the Council of Engineers and volunteer inspectors, helping ensure public safety amid fears of structural damage. Significantly, the inspections showed a commendable measure of preparedness by the Thai authorities, especially in swiftly addressing the potential risks to the public. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s directive, invoking the 1979 Building Control Act, underscores the government’s resolve to enforce building safety regulations post-quake. Additionally, the proactive steps taken by the BMA, notifying 11,000 private building owners to conduct checks, further emphasize the collaborative effort between the authorities and the private sector. The extensive use of technology such as the Traffy Fondue complaint system for handling building safety concerns demonstrates an effective integration of modern tools to aid crisis management. With 15,514 complaints reported and 13,612 resolved, this system serves as a vital communication bridge between citizens and authorities. Overall, the response, characterized by organized inspections and consistent communication, indicates Thailand's capacity to handle natural disasters. However, the 34 buildings now off-limits point towards an urgent need for improved structural resilience, particularly against seismic activity. This situation calls for continued vigilance and potentially a reevaluation of building codes to mitigate future risks. The article’s focus is primarily informational, detailing the measures taken post-earthquake, while contributing to public understanding of governmental actions in crisis scenarios. The efficient response highlights the importance of preparedness in disaster-prone regions, providing other countries with a potential model for managing similar situations in the future.