Professor Pennung Warnitchai’s Insights on Bangkok’s Seismic Risks and Safety Measures

Amidst the serene landscapes of Thailand, there lurks an invisible force—a force that can shake the ground and rattle the nerves of those who dwell in the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok. This force is none other than the tremors of distant earthquakes, casting a shadow over a city famed for its spirited culture and bustling lifestyle. But fear not, dear reader, for while the risk may keep some on their toes, it’s not exactly a daily dance with disaster.

At the esteemed Bangkok Post Knowledge Forum, audaciously titled “After the Quake,” the spotlight was keenly fixed on Professor Pennung Warnitchai from the Asian Institute of Technology. The professor ventured forth with revelations about Bangkok’s precarious position on the seismic stage, underscoring how the city’s unique geographical makeup plays a crucial role. Imagine Bangkok as a bowl, surrounded by invisible dancers—tremors—with the propensity to amplify their every subtle move. The result? An occasional quiver felt by those perched high above the bustling streets in towering skyscrapers.

Case in point: When the earth shook on March 28, the epicenter lay miles away in Myanmar’s Sagaing Fault, yet Bangkok felt the distant pulse. Professor Pennung expounded that Bangkok’s base, laid upon soft soil, acts much like a tuning fork, catching seismic waves and transforming them into lingering trembles, as if refusing to let go of a gentle hum. The city’s basin-like geography slyly slows the seismic waves only to amplify their force, particularly affecting the graceful giants—the tall buildings that pierce the sky.

But how likely is it that Bangkok might find itself in the epicenter’s crosshairs for a major quake? The statistics are reassuringly low—a mere 10% chance within one’s lifetime, according to Professor Pennung, nonetheless coupled with the prudent reminder that low risk is not synonymous with no risk. Oh, the life’s fine print!

In a commendable leap for safety, Thai authorities have laid down the law, mandating earthquake-resistant standards for all new erections. Since 2007, the city’s parcels of architectural marvels must comply with codes specifically crafted for each of Bangkok’s 10 zones. These sophisticated guidelines ensure that buildings are more resilient, although they may endure some superficial scuffs, no catastrophic crumblings are on the agenda. Ensconced within Bangkok’s watchful gaze are five diligent earthquake monitoring stations, guardians keeping a diligent eye on Mother Earth’s rhythmic dance numbers.

But alas, the song of safety was on pause not too long ago in Chatuchak. The city bore witness to the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building during an uninvited jolt. Professor Pennung, ever the sleuth, formed part of the investigative brigade, attributing the catastrophe to the building’s half-finished state and absence of vital structural elements. Whispers abounded—was it corruption, shoddy materials, or a designer’s missteps that led to the fall? The jury’s still pondering, but the professor prudently pointed out that an uncompleted symphony remains perilously prone to discord, or in this case, an orchestrated collapse.

So, esteemed readers, as you find yourself amidst the lively beats and captivating chaos of Bangkok, remember the tale of hidden tremors. While the ground beneath your feet may whisper once in a blue moon, the city’s staunch structures stand like old souls—wise, fortified, and ready to embrace any tremor with grace.