Bangkok: The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has ordered an extensive inspection of old buildings throughout the city, following a tragic incident involving the collapse of a concrete awning that resulted in one fatality.

According to Thai News Agency, the Permanent Secretary of the BMA, Mr. Narong Ruangsri, detailed the measures being implemented in response to the incident near Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan on Rama IV Road in Samphanthawong District. The BMA, in cooperation with relevant agencies including the Department of Public Works and Town Planning and the Engineering Institute of Thailand under the Royal Patronage (EIT), has already taken steps to secure the affected area, issuing a temporary closure order and establishing a command center to aid those impacted.

The BMA has launched a proactive strategy to prevent similar occurrences by forming a working group tasked with inspecting older structures in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Town Planning and EIT. This initiative focuses on assessing buildings with long life spans, similar construction styles, or signs of deterioration. District offices have been instructed to expedite information dissemination and provide guidance to building owners or occupants on maintaining and inspecting exterior components that may be vulnerable due to age or weather. The public is encouraged to request inspections through the Building Control Office via Line OA, with the Line ID @bmaepermit.

In addition to immediate inspections, the BMA is enhancing the creation of databases and risk assessments for older buildings and enforcing laws related to unsafe structures. District offices are collaborating with the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) to plan and prioritize risk assessments for buildings with similar construction or deemed high-risk. If a building is found to be unsafe, owners will be required to comply with the Building Control Act B.E. 2522 (1979) to rectify any hazards swiftly.