Myanmar Earthquake: Over 3,000 Thai Government Buildings Inspected

Photo courtesy of Nikkei Asia

The recent 8.2-magnitude earthquake near Mandalay, Myanmar, has wreaked havoc across Thailand, impacting more than 3,000 government buildings, as reported by the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning (DPT).

By April 2, inspections had been conducted on 3,375 government structures post-quake, revealing 34 significantly damaged and unfit for use. A dedicated team, including the Council of Engineers Thailand, the Engineering Institute of Thailand, and 110 volunteer engineers, swiftly assessed the affected premises.

In the Bangkok area, 367 government buildings underwent scrutiny, with 334 deemed secure. However, 30 buildings sustained moderate damage yet remain operational, while three structures and a bridge were deemed unsafe.

Provincially, 3,008 buildings were inspected. Of these, 2,796 were safe, whereas 181 moderately damaged buildings continue in use. Notably, 31 buildings were seriously compromised and risk collapse, thus prohibited for use.

Nationwide, the seismic event left 221 structures with moderate damage and 34 in severe disrepair. The DPT has strongly advised owners of high-rise buildings, hotels, condos, dormitories, and shopping centres to engage certified inspectors for comprehensive evaluations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.

In response to these events, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt urged proactive safety assessments on March 30 for roughly 11,000 capital structures. He emphasised cooperation to preempt any further quake-related incidents.

As recovery efforts intensify, Thailand remains focused on building safety, with ongoing inspections and structural evaluations aimed at averting future catastrophes, reported The Thaiger.