Bangkok Buildings Safe After Earthquake Scare, Mass Evacuations Follow
A wave of evacuations swept across Bangkok on Monday morning as workers, fearing structural damage, hastily left buildings following reports of vibrations and cracks. The scare, however, proved a false alarm. City engineers confirmed the cracks were pre-existing and posed no immediate threat. The incident highlights the lingering anxiety following Friday’s series of earthquakes centered in Myanmar, felt throughout Thailand.
Evacuations, beginning around 10 a. m., impacted numerous prominent buildings, including:
- Building A of the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road
- The Ministry of Labour in Din Daeng district
- Court buildings on Ratchadaphisek Road
- Government Housing Bank headquarters in Huai Khwang district
- The Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road
- The Social Security Office in Din Daeng
- The Revenue Department headquarters in Phaya Thai district (staff instructed to work from home)
- Taksin Hospital in Klong San district
- High-rises on Silom Road and Vibhavadi Rangsit Road
Deputy Interior Minister Sabeeda Thaised, speaking from the Government Complex, assured the public that structural engineers had thoroughly inspected the buildings and declared them safe. While 15 minor aftershocks were recorded in Myanmar on Monday morning, including two measuring 3.7 magnitude, the Meteorological Department confirmed they posed no risk to Thailand. This was corroborated by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who stated the cracks observed in Bangkok buildings predated Monday’s events, appearing during Friday’s earthquake.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt echoed these sentiments, noting reports of perceived vibrations and visible cracks in approximately 20 buildings. He attributed the widespread concern to heightened sensitivity following Friday’s seismic activity, explaining that people, still on edge, were easily alarmed by the sight of existing cracks. “People went back into many buildings… the situation has returned to normal. People might be too worried,” the Bangkok governor said.
This incident is reminiscent of the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, where aftershocks triggered evacuations and heightened anxiety for weeks, even in areas not directly impacted by the initial disaster. Similarly, in other earthquake-prone regions like California, even minor tremors can spark evacuations as residents and authorities prioritize safety and err on the side of caution.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) confirmed its operations continued uninterrupted, with no evacuation order issued. Although some SET staff temporarily left the building, prompted by evacuations in neighboring offices, trading remained unaffected. The Government Housing Bank also reported a brief evacuation following perceived vibrations on the 17th floor of its headquarters, but services resumed after engineers conducted safety checks. This incident highlights the delicate balance between ensuring public safety and preventing unnecessary disruption following a seismic event.
The Bangkok Post reported on the incident, providing detailed information about the affected buildings and official responses.
Potential consequences include heightened public anxiety and increased scrutiny of building safety regulations. It may also lead to improved emergency response protocols and public awareness campaigns regarding earthquake preparedness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still enter buildings in Bangkok?
Yes, authorities have confirmed the buildings are structurally sound, and normal operations have resumed.
Were there any injuries reported?
No, the evacuations were precautionary, and no injuries were reported.
Why were people so concerned about the cracks?
The recent earthquakes in Myanmar increased public sensitivity and anxiety, making people more likely to be alarmed by pre-existing cracks.
Conclusion
While Monday’s events caused significant disruption and underscored the psychological impact of recent seismic activity, the swift response of authorities and the confirmation of building safety helped restore calm. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness, clear communication, and the ongoing need to balance public safety with minimizing unnecessary disruption following natural events.
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