A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck Thailand, causing widespread destruction and fear among the city’s residents. The quake sent one building crashing to the ground, killing at least 11 workers and leaving hundreds more trapped under rubble. For many in Bangkok, a city known for its towering skyscrapers, the disaster has raised questions about building safety and the need for greater scrutiny.
Thailand upgraded its earthquake-resistant building code in 2007, but experts say that Japan’s approach to seismic design and enforcement is more effective. Dr. Suchatvee Suwansawat, a professor of civil engineering at King Mongkut University, called for greater scrutiny and potential upgrades in standards and enforcement.
The collapse of the 30-story building, which was being built by a Chinese state-owned company, has sparked an investigation into design, execution, or oversight issues. The Thai government has promised to report early findings in a week.
As rescue efforts continue, residents are left to pick up the pieces and wonder what could have been done to prevent such disasters. For Jiraporn Jaichob, a drink stall owner who was having lunch when the earthquake struck, buying a transistor radio and creating a go bag with essential documents and supplies is now a priority.
The incident has also raised concerns about the city’s infrastructure and the need for greater preparedness. “Every time they lift the rubble, the dust flies in this direction,” said Jatupol Sawangphanich, 42, owner of a tropical fish business near the collapse site.
As Bangkok mourns the loss of life and destruction caused by the earthquake, it is clear that the city’s residents will have to adapt to new fears and realities. With the toll of destruction still looming large, the question on everyone’s mind is: what can be done to prevent such disasters in the future?
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/30/world/asia/earthquake-bangkok-building-safety.html