A two-story wooden house in Soi Charoen Krung 99, Branch 10, Bang Kho Laem district, Bangkok, collapsed early morning on November 6, trapping its 64-year-old resident. The building, weakened by years of termite damage, ultimately gave way despite hving previous warnings from local authorities.

 

At approximately 00:50, Pol. Lt. Suchat Changtham, an investigator from Wat Phraya Krai Police Station, received an emergency call reporting the collapse. Rescue teams from the Bangkok Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Ruamkatanyu Foundation, and medical staff from Charoen Krung Pracharak Hospital rushed to the scene to assist.

 

Upon arrival, rescue workers found the two-story structure had completely crumbled within a narrow alley, with debris trapping the resident, Ms. Prakhong beneath a section of the roof. Ms. Prakhong, a retired Ministry of Interior employee, was heard calling for help, pinned by roofing tiles. Rescue teams worked carefully for around 45 minutes, eventually freeing her with only minor shoulder abrasions.

 

Ms. Prakhong described the moments leading up to the collapse, recounting a series of creaking sounds as she lay alone in her second-floor room. Although the noises raised concern, she had not anticipated the building would collapse. She said she believed holding tightly to a protective amulet of King Rama V contributed to her survival.

 

The house, which Ms. Prakhong and her family had lived in for over 55 years, had sustained extensive termite damage, which caused it to lean significantly prior to the incident. Neighbours confirmed that the structure had tilted by as much as 45 degrees, with termites visibly compromising the foundation. Bang Kho Laem district officials had previously advised Ms. Prakhong to demolish the house, citing safety risks, but she had resisted their warnings.

 

Following the incident, Ms. Prakhong urged authorities to secure the site, as valuable possessions remain within the debris. Neighbours expressed similar concerns, noting the prolonged termite infestation that made the structure increasingly dangerous.

 

Local authorities are now investigating the collapse and working to prevent similar incidents in nearby aging structures.

 

Pictures and video from responders.

 

-- 2024-11-06

 

 

 

Maintenance is something that many people do not understand. This could have been avoided a long time ago apparently.