Bangkok Residents Face Earthquake Fears
Cracks in High-Rises Spark Safety Concerns
A powerful earthquake has left Bangkok residents grappling with fear and uncertainty. Phatsakon Kaewkla, a 23-year-old sales coordinator, returned to his 22nd-floor apartment to find large cracks in the walls after the tremors. Though engineers declared the building safe, Phatsakon chose to stay away for two days, reflecting widespread anxiety in a city unaccustomed to such seismic events.
Residents Question High-Rise Safety
Calls for Safer Housing Intensify
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck neighboring Myanmar on March 28 caused significant damage to hundreds of residential buildings in Bangkok, prompting many residents to reconsider their living arrangements. Real estate consultant Owen Zhu noted a surge in inquiries from individuals seeking low-rise homes due to concerns over high-rise earthquake resistance.
Shaken Confidence in Building Standards
Structural Integrity Under Scrutiny
For many residents like Yigit Buyukergun, who witnessed extensive damage in his apartment corridor, assurances from building owners about safety have done little to ease fears. Disputes between tenants and landlords over the habitability of quake-damaged apartments highlight a growing “gap in perception” regarding structural safety.
Earthquake Prompts Regulatory Review
Demand for Seismic-Resistant Structures Rises
The collapse of a 30-story under-construction building in Bangkok has heightened concerns about construction practices and materials. City authorities are investigating whether substandard materials contributed to the disaster, which trapped dozens of workers. Experts predict stricter building regulations and increased demand for seismic-resistant properties.
Long-Term Impact on Real Estate Market
Shifting Preferences Among Buyers
Zhu observed that more clients are now opting for low-rise structures or high-rises with minimal damage from the recent quake. He anticipates that property prices will rise as developers invest in costly seismic resistance measures, reshaping Thailand’s real estate landscape.
Psychological Effects of Earthquakes
Residents Struggle with Anxiety
For many, the psychological impact of the earthquake is profound. Buyukergun expressed disbelief at experiencing such tremors in Thailand, a country generally considered safe from seismic activity. This unexpected event has left residents reevaluating their assumptions about safety and stability in Bangkok’s urban environment.
