The recent earthquake that rattled Bangkok, caused by a 7.7-magnitude tremor from neighboring Myanmar, has left residents questioning the safety of their high-rise homes. For many, like 23-year-old sales coordinator Phatsakon Kaewkla, the experience was terrifying. When he returned to his 22nd-floor apartment, he was confronted with cracks in the walls, which led him to stay away for two days until experts confirmed the building was safe. Despite reassurances from the building’s owners, Phatsakon remains unsettled by the damage.
The quake, which struck on March 28, was the most significant to affect Bangkok in generations. The Thai capital, known for its towering skyline and high-rise buildings, is not accustomed to such tremors. This unusual event has sparked widespread fear and anxiety among residents, many of whom are now considering relocating to safer, low-rise structures.
Owen Zhu, a real estate consultant in Bangkok, reports a noticeable shift in consumer behavior. Following the earthquake, there has been an increase in inquiries from residents wanting to move out of high-rise buildings, driven by concerns over earthquake resistance. “People seem to have realized that living in high-rise buildings might carry greater risks when it comes to earthquake safety,” he said.
For some, like Yigit Buyukergun, the anxiety is palpable. After inspecting his damaged 22nd-floor apartment, Buyukergun expressed doubts about the safety of his building, despite the owner’s assurances. The gap in perception between tenants and landlords has led to more disputes regarding the habitability of quake-damaged properties.
Before the earthquake, building safety regulations in Thailand were not particularly stringent. However, the recent tragedy has exposed significant gaps in construction standards, prompting city authorities to investigate the collapse of a 30-story building that trapped workers. This incident has only heightened residents’ fears.
As concerns over safety grow, real estate professionals like Zhu predict that the demand for low-rise properties will increase. In the long term, stricter seismic resistance standards may raise the bar for Thailand’s real estate sector, as tenants and buyers prioritize safety over convenience.
