Earthquake risk in Thailand’s North,West: Studies

BANGKOK, Dec 2 (TNA) - Thailand’s northern and western regions could be affected by an earthquake, according to studies, which will be used by the authorities to lay out measures to control building construction. At a seminar of the Thailand Research Fund and the Engineering Institute of Thailand under the patronage of HM the King’s Patronage, Pennueng Wanitchai from Asian Institute of Technology said that team of researchers from several institutes worked together to study areas at risk of earthquake and faults in Thailand. He said the study found that the north and the west could be affected by a moderate quake and in the northern province of Chiang Rai, there was likelihood of a 6.5 tremor, measuring 6.5 on Richter scale. Mae Chan fault lying under Chiang Rai has been closely monitored especially. As scattering faults sit in two regions and some connect with those in neighbouring countries such as Lao PDR and Myanmar, Thailand needs a master plan and precautious measures to alleviate impacts from possible quakes. The studies, conducted with the authorities will lead to mapping out measures to upgrade and construct buildings for earthquake resistance. The academic said it is worrying that buildings in the northern region has used pre-cast concrete like those in Bangkok and these buildings could be affected by an earthquake. Moreover, bridges, built in the past were also not designed to be resistant to a tremor, he added. In Bangkok, a survey must be conducted with the Department of Public Works and Town Planning on high rise buildings. According to a survey in 2015, there are 1,434 buildings with 12-88 storeys in the capital. Each building accommodates 600-1,900 residents. (TNA)