Pattaya Lift Drama Sparks Fresh Concerns Over Safety

Picture courtesy of Pattaya News

A recent lift mishap in Pattaya has once again raised concerns about building safety in the bustling seaside city. A night-time power outage on July 2 left 19-year-old Gopal Dhal, a Burmese national, stranded inside an elevator at a local condominium.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight when a sudden power failure plunged the building into darkness. Trapped on the fourth floor, Dhal found himself alone and unable to escape.

At 12:16 am, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre received a call for assistance. Rescue teams, equipped with torches and portable lighting, arrived promptly on the scene. After nearly an hour of effort, they managed to force the lift doors open, freeing Dhal without injury. Though unharmed, he was noticeably shaken by the ordeal.

A family member recounted the experience: “The power went out without warning. He called to say he was trapped, but we didn’t know his location at first. We eventually realised he was on the fourth floor and called for help.”

The condo’s power outage, and subsequent lift failure, have reignited debates about the reliability of infrastructure and emergency preparedness in Pattaya’s residential buildings. This incident is not isolated; similar occurrences in recent years highlight a persistent concern for tenants in high-rise accommodations.

Residents are urging building managers to implement better safety measures, including backup power systems and regular maintenance checks. Ensuring that lifts can withstand power cuts and have emergency protocols in place is critical to prevent such incidents.

Local authorities are also being called upon to enforce stricter building regulations. Implementing mandatory safety certifications and emergency drills could greatly enhance the wellbeing of residents and visitors alike.

Condominium developers and building managers may need to consider investing in more robust infrastructure to safeguard against frequent blackouts. The estimated cost of upgrading power systems could be significant but would ensure peace of mind for residents, potentially converting to thousands of Thai Baht.

As Pattaya continues to grow as a popular destination, addressing these safety concerns is essential. Enhancing infrastructure integrity not only protects inhabitants but also maintains the city’s reputation as a tourist and expat hub.

With the spotlight back on building safety, both local and foreign residents are hopeful for change. Meanwhile, Gopal Dhal’s experience serves as a timely reminder of the importance of safety preparedness in urban living spaces.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-03