A geologist has warned that some parts of Thailand are in higher risk of experiencing tremors originating from near fault lines, even though the likelihood of another earthquake striking the country is very low.
Prof. Pennung Warnitchai from the Asian Institute of Technology ( AIT ) explained at the Bangkok Post Knowledge Forum on Thursday that the region’s unique geographical characteristics make it vulnerable to the effects of distant earthquakes.
He argued that the city’s foundation, which is sweet, amplifies geological waves. Although Bangkok is not directly over a wrong line, people may occasionally experience the spasms brought on by earthquakes that occur at locations far apart, especially those in high-rise buildings.
For example, he claimed that a pass along the Sagaing Fault full in Myanmar was the cause of the earthquake that occurred in Bangkok on March 28.
The city is situated on soft dirt in basin-like landscape, which slows down and amplifies geological waves, according to Prof. Pennung. This causes long-period surface motion, particularly in large buildings.
Up to four times as much ground motion can be amplified by Bangkok’s sweet soil, according to research.
He outlined three disaster scenarios that may put the money at risk:
- along the Kanchanaburi Fault, a 7. 5-magnitude collapse.
- Similar to the March 28 crisis, there was an 8. 0 magnitude earthquake along Myanmar’s Sagaing Fault.
- An 8. 5 to 9.0 magnitude earthquake along the Andaman Sea wrong, though it is really unlikely.
These scenarios, he said, have a “very unlikely statistical edge,” with the only” 10 % chance” that for earthquakes will occur in our lives.
Prof. Pennung urged caution, pointing out that “low frequency is not the same as zero risk.”
The government has mandated that new houses been constructed to earthquake-resistant specifications since 2007 through the Departments of Public Works and Town and Country Planning.
Bangkok is divided into ten zones by the regulations, with each having its own distinct creating codes determined by regional risk levels.
Five disaster monitoring stations are in place in the city to gather information for formal risk assessments to improve safety standards.
According to him, “buildings built to these requirements should be able to resist earthquakes.”
Most damage reported in Bangkok has been caused by plastic or non-structural factors, as opposed to fundamental loss.
Prof. Pennung, a member of the investigation committee, claimed that the state of the state auditor’s ( SAO ) building in Chatuchak, which collapsed following the earthquake, contributed to the tragedy.
He explained that the SAO tower was particularly vulnerable because it lacked crucial structural elements, such as windows, which provide stability.
The commission is also looking into whether corruption, poor materials, or style flaws were to blame for the collapse.
He stated,” We are looking at every possibility.”
When questioned about whether the building may have remained standing had it been finished, he said he was optimistic:
According to recent assessments, there is a higher chance that the building would collapse if a comparable quake were to occur after its completion, he added.