Pictures courtesy of Matichon

 

Thailand faces global scrutiny after the new State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok collapsed, setting grim world records: it's the tallest building to fall in an earthquake and the furthest from an epicenter to suffer such a fate. The March 28 earthquake in Myanmar caused severe tremors, tragically affecting the SAO building, with many deaths and injuries reported, and workers still missing.

 

Serious questions about Thailand's building safety standards and disaster readiness have emerged. On April 2, Professor Pen-Nung Wanichchai, Earthquake Research Centre Director, explained that Bangkok's soft soil intensified the tremors by three to four times. Combined with low-frequency waves affecting tall buildings more, this led to the SAO’s downfall.

 

International experts confirmed the building set disconcerting records. Prof. Pen-Nung stressed that although this is a dubious distinction, it showcases the vulnerability of Thailand's infrastructure. Despite laws requiring seismic-resistant designs for tall buildings, the collapse suggests serious enforcement issues.

 

 

 

Thailand's slow SMS-based earthquake warning system failed to alert citizens promptly. Prof. Pen-Nung and Associate Professor Seri Supratid of Rangsit University called for a comprehensive review of disaster preparedness, focusing on improving building designs and public education on emergency response.

 

The tragedy exposed major gaps in safety protocols and awareness, prompting experts to urge immediate government action. As Bangkok seeks to rebuild, it's vital that these lessons inspire more resilient structures and an effective warning system for future seismic events, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-04-03

 

 

Wonder if the tsunami early warning system is still working?

That will prove Thailand is No. 1 in something    🤣

The unfortunate thing is that all if these good intentions will fall on deaf and dumb ears and nothing will actually be done.  Talk is cheap and Thais love to talk but they don’t like to do.  

The more Chineese companies are allowed  to partake in major construction projects the more likelihood of further disasters. 

Crooked Thai officials combined with Chineese developers spell trouble. 

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand faces global scrutiny after the new State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok collapsed, setting grim world records: it's the tallest building to fall in an earthquake and the furthest from an epicenter to suffer such a fate.

Go Thailand... 

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The tragedy exposed major gaps in safety protocols and awareness, prompting experts to urge immediate government action.

This is not limited to this earthquake tragedy but all accidents.

Safety rules should be learned from kindergarten onwards 

Wherever you look, always lacks in safety. 

 

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Earthquake Research Centre Director, explained that Bangkok's soft soil intensified the tremors by three to four times. Combined with low-frequency waves affecting tall buildings more, this led to the SAO’s downfall.

The soil is one of the reasons. Build quality was the primary reason.

16 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Wonder if the tsunami early warning system is still working?

A few years ago it was written that most of the sensors were offline, so I guess either not, or not very well.

Corrupt Thai official should be treated the same as they do in China. Send the family a bill for the cost of the bullet.

What’s wrong with Thailand is they never put safety first they use cheap materials Chinese labor do you see what the outcome is TIT

16 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Wonder if the tsunami early warning system is still working?

 

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2994172/mp-demands-explanation-over-tsunami-warning-towers

 

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Despite laws requiring seismic-resistant designs for tall buildings, the collapse suggests serious enforcement issues.

Despite laws requiring helmets for motorbike riders, the accident statistics suggests serious enforcement issues.

Despite laws requiring to stop at zebra crossings, the traffic cameras suggests serious enforcement issues.

Despite laws designating sidewalks for pedestrian use, the encroachments suggests serious enforcement issues.

etc...

I wonder what's the common denominator here.

Thailand does not care what others say about its safety record buildings road safety and so on 

As long as the foreign tourists come with their money 💰 🤑 

That's all that matters 😌 

I guess that the State Audit Office must have forgotten to audit the construction of their own new building.

19 minutes ago, TheFishman1 said:

What’s wrong with Thailand is they never put safety first they use cheap materials Chinese labor do you see what the outcome is TIT

Well here you have it all wrong, the first thing they start with are the signs with the text on them ‘Safety first’
(x) sarc off.

17 hours ago, JoePai said:

That will prove Thailand is No. 1 in something    🤣

The hub of bad construction?

yes ,     we've heard it all before .... Thailand is #1 at everything bla..bla..bla..  

46 minutes ago, jippytum said:

The more Chineese companies are allowed  to partake in major construction projects the more likelihood of further disasters. 

Crooked Thai officials combined with Chineese developers spell trouble. 

So brown envelopes don't cushion seismic waves ?

 

Building safety records? Who needs them! There are never any accidents at construction sites in Thailand. Safety records are impeccable!   

 

But seriously,  Just to show how seriously safety is taken have a look  the first two signs. They haven't even bothered to hide the fact they are not reporting accidents. Look at how someone has just rearranged the numbers on the first sign. They didn't even bother to use new numbers. It's a laughable how lax safety standards are. Half the Cambodian, Lao workers do not even have proper footwear.

17 hours ago, JoePai said:

That will prove Thailand is No. 1 in something    🤣

A new 'Hub' for them!!!!😏😏😏😏😂🤣😂🤣

As a former General contractor I watched a building here in Phuket being built by Chinese the rebar was no where near the right size and they were pouring more concrete on top of the other before it had dried so when it fell down killing 7 people it was no surprise Oh and guess what,,, nothing happened to that guy either just went Back to China. 

46 minutes ago, Peterphuket said:

Well here you have it all wrong, the first thing they start with are the signs with the text on them ‘Safety first’
(x) sarc off.

and IS.9001

1 hour ago, tomazbodner said:

17 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Wonder if the tsunami early warning system is still working?

A few years ago it was written that most of the sensors were offline, so I guess either not, or not very well.

The chances of a tsunami from a quake epicenter-ed in central Myanmar fairly slim to non existent yeah?

Sadly Chinese poor construction to allow Thailand this award. 

 

China was involved in the supply of material and construction of the building. Bambu sticks?

18 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Wonder if the tsunami early warning system is still working?

 

Yea, they tested in the one in Buriram the other day. It's working perfectly! Didn't hear a thing.

18 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Wonder if the tsunami early warning system is still working?

Thai's dont do maintenance

It could have been much worse….what if the earthquake was a year from now and the building was fully occupied with workers ?  Building inspector could not have been doing his job and maybe his bank account should be checked. 

18 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Wonder if the tsunami early warning system is still working?

i think its been soled for scrap or they are keeping them on land for safety reasons