What are the main conclusions from the 2025 Bangkok Post Knowledge Forum?
PUBLISHED: 15 May 2025 at 19: 23
Researchers gathered to discuss how Bangkok you better know and prepare for the geological risks it faces at the Bangkok Post Knowledge Forum 2025, which took place on Thursday at Chulalongkorn University.
, , the website featured insights from leading voices in engineering, industrial advancement, and communication.
- The AIT’s Structural Engineering Program is led by Pennung Warnitchai, AIT Chair.
- Thailand Structural Engineers Association ( TSEA ), President Amorn Pimanmas
- Alongkorn Parivudhiphongs, Deputy Dean of Research and International Affairs at Chulalongkorn University’s University of Communication Art, is Chulalongkorn University’s assistant professor of study and foreign affairs.
- Sansiri Plc’s Chief Strategy Officer Poomipak Julmanichoti.  ,
Together, they provided a multi-dimensional view of the city’s geological risks and what must be done before the next earthquake strikes.
Bangkok experienced the earthquake, but why?
-
Although the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Myanmar on March 28 was far away from Thailand, Bangkok is also affected by its impact.
-
Long-period floor movement, which travels great distances, swept over the city and swayed tall buildings.
-
These long-period waves, especially those constructed on smooth ground, are strong enough to cause high-rise structures to vibrate, intensifying the quivering.
Strong shaking in gentle land
-
The soft-soil valley that surrounds Bangkok.
-
This dirt increases seismic waves by up to four times, causing stronger tremors than in local provinces with harder surface.
-
The phenomenon primarily affects large buildings because their swaying frequency aligns with long-period waves in their natural way.
How do houses react?
-
Large buildings in Bangkok are constructed to move while never breaking during tremors.
-
Current engineering includes:
-
Accommodating bones
-
Reinforced practical core
-
Fluid-viscous valves and energy-absorption devices, such as
-
Controlled swaying is a security function, not a defect.
Building standards and geological districts in Bangkok
-
Geological style standards were developed in 2007 and updated in 2021.
-
Based on disaster risk, Bangkok is divided into 10 regions.
-
New buildings must adhere to stringent standards in order to withstand geological troops.
-
Although not all of the older houses are required to be retrofitted, some are being reviewed.
Assessment results: Generally healthy, with some exceptions
-
Authorities inspected almost 500 houses following the earthquake.
-
Most institutions were intact, but only a few managed to break through.
- In Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, a brand-new, under construction State Audit Office ( SAO ) building completely collapsed, bringing up issues with design and construction oversight.
True danger, but tolerable.
What facts if residents and developers be aware of?
-
Building level alone does not guarantee safety; engineering excellence is essential.
-
Also in the event of remote earthquakes, well-built high-rises remain secure.
-
Long-period waves are less harmful to low-rise properties, but they should still adhere to strict fundamental guidelines.
Advice for a stronger sense of endurance
-
Improve open knowledge of building sway’s mechanisms.
-
Ensure greater control of building websites, especially for finished structures.
-
As technology and data develop, keep updating geological standards. Encourage the installation of damping networks in important buildings and equipment.
Don’t wait for the upcoming earthquake.
-
Although they are uncommon in Bangkok, they are also a possibility.
-
The most recent tremor was a wake-up contact: the city may remain organized.
-
Experts urge continued consideration of geological health, not just when the ground shakes.