Bangkok: "Chatchart" is accelerating inspections of old buildings across Bangkok, preparing to amend building modification laws to enhance community safety. He indicated that the proposal had already been submitted to the Bangkok City Council and is ready to push forward in the final stretch, urging Bangkok residents to exercise their right to vote on June 28.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chatchart Sittipunt, Bangkok gubernatorial candidate number 9, gave an interview regarding the building collapse near Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan on Rama IV Road in Samphanthawong District. Mr. Chatchart revealed his policy approach and methods for addressing the problem of old building structures in Bangkok, emphasizing the need to amend regulations for safety.

Regarding the building collapse, Mr. Chatchart stated that the building was an old structure, approximately 100 years old, and the collapse occurred at the "awning," a significant weak point of this type of building. He noted that similar incidents have occurred before in the Pratu Phi area. As for initial responses, district offices must urgently survey old buildings at risk, particularly in old city areas such as Yaowarat, Samphanthawong, and Phra Nakhon. He emphasized that government officials alone may not be sufficient, and cooperation from building owners is also crucial.

"As I mentioned, there are over 400,000 shophouses. I believe there are tens of thousands, maybe even close to a hundred thousand, of older shophouses. Therefore, both sides need to cooperate. Building owners should also help with inspections, and if they have any concerns, they should report it to the district office. That should improve the situation."

Mr. Chatchart also pointed out the structural problems that have led to many commercial buildings and shophouses in Bangkok being abandoned and falling into disrepair. He stated that current laws and regulations hinder building renovations because owners must comply with various conditions, such as providing new parking spaces or fire exits. This results in many choosing not to renovate their buildings and allowing them to deteriorate. Therefore, in the future, it is necessary to review and revise regulations related to the renovation of shophouses to pave the way for more effective restoration of old buildings and urban areas.

Mr. Chatchart stated that Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had previously submitted a draft ordinance on this issue to the BMA Council for consideration, but it was not passed before the council's term expired. He affirmed that he would push for this matter again if he receives the public's trust, pointing out that inner Bangkok still has many old and abandoned buildings, such as along Sukhumvit and Phetchaburi roads. Although these areas have potential and are close to transportation systems, they are restricted by existing building control laws, including setback distances, the number of parking spaces, and physical regulations that do not correspond to the actual condition of the buildings today. Furthermore, stricter safety standards, such as fire extinguishing systems and the reclamation of public spaces along roadsides, are also a concern.

"We brought this matter to the Bangkok City Council last year, but it was too late because the council's term had expired. If we can amend the regulations, it will give old shophouses new economic opportunities. Renovating them to be stronger could allow them to be used again as residences or shops, significantly increasing the economic space in Bangkok."

In the final stretch of the election campaign, Mr. Chatchart urged Bangkok residents to exercise their right to vote on Sunday, June 28, 2026, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. He advised, "Allow extra time in case of rain. Go vote first, then you can do whatever you want afterwards, but please go vote first because we don't know how much it will rain. Don't forget to check your polling station. Go out and vote in large numbers. Choose the person you trust, the person you believe will lead Bangkok in a good direction, both the Bangkok Governor and the Bangkok City Council members. Because it's a show of strength in a democratic system."