Article | Creating Resilience
A Turning Point Toward a New Standard
April 10, 2025
Natural disasters are beyond our control, but they often serve as catalysts for change—prompting us to reflect, adapt and establish new and better standards for the future.
The recent earthquake serves as a prime example, affecting many high-rise residential buildings and condominiums to varying degrees. Each project responded differently, depending on its design, location and construction quality. Nevertheless, housing remains a basic necessity, and condominiums continue to be a top choice due to their prime locations—close to business districts, transit lines, schools and shopping centers—offering convenience and connectivity for modern urban living.
Looking back at the great flood of 2011, we witnessed a similar turning point. The disaster severely impacted low-rise housing projects, prompting many families to seek refuge in condominiums. Yet over time, the demand for houses returned, particularly among those who value spacious indoor and outdoor areas. However, the experience changed buyer behavior—people became more cautious and meticulous in evaluating risks before making purchase decisions. This shift pushed developers to improve project design and construction standards, ultimately raising the bar for the entire industry.
Today, in the aftermath of the March 28, 2025, earthquake, we are once again at such a turning point. Developers of high-rise buildings must now prioritize enhanced disaster preparedness, elevate design standards that improve quality of life, adopt higher-grade construction materials, and integrate new knowledge and technologies. It’s no longer a matter of aesthetics, but one of safety, health and long-term sustainability.
Buyers, too, play a role in shaping this new standard. A simple checklist before making a purchase can ensure well-informed and worthwhile decisions. Key considerations include:
1. Structural strength and flexibility – Can the building withstand earthquakes and wind forces? How well can it absorb seismic shock?
2. Flood prevention systems – How is stormwater managed? Are there backup water pumps and emergency power systems? Where are critical mechanical rooms located?
3. Fire safety systems – Are there adequate detectors, alarms and well-positioned fire exits?
4. Emergency planning – Are there clearly designed evacuation routes and emergency exits that support swift, safe evacuations?
We believe that every natural disaster brings with it an opportunity, a chance to reset and raise our expectations. This most recent event has created such a moment, challenging Thailand’s developers and residents to adopt a new standard that goes beyond the ordinary: one rooted in resilience, safety, quality and sustainability.
The article is written by Artitaya Kasemlawan, Head of Residential Sales - Project, CBRE Thailand.
The recent earthquake serves as a prime example, affecting many high-rise residential buildings and condominiums to varying degrees. Each project responded differently, depending on its design, location and construction quality. Nevertheless, housing remains a basic necessity, and condominiums continue to be a top choice due to their prime locations—close to business districts, transit lines, schools and shopping centers—offering convenience and connectivity for modern urban living.
Looking back at the great flood of 2011, we witnessed a similar turning point. The disaster severely impacted low-rise housing projects, prompting many families to seek refuge in condominiums. Yet over time, the demand for houses returned, particularly among those who value spacious indoor and outdoor areas. However, the experience changed buyer behavior—people became more cautious and meticulous in evaluating risks before making purchase decisions. This shift pushed developers to improve project design and construction standards, ultimately raising the bar for the entire industry.
Today, in the aftermath of the March 28, 2025, earthquake, we are once again at such a turning point. Developers of high-rise buildings must now prioritize enhanced disaster preparedness, elevate design standards that improve quality of life, adopt higher-grade construction materials, and integrate new knowledge and technologies. It’s no longer a matter of aesthetics, but one of safety, health and long-term sustainability.
Buyers, too, play a role in shaping this new standard. A simple checklist before making a purchase can ensure well-informed and worthwhile decisions. Key considerations include:
1. Structural strength and flexibility – Can the building withstand earthquakes and wind forces? How well can it absorb seismic shock?
2. Flood prevention systems – How is stormwater managed? Are there backup water pumps and emergency power systems? Where are critical mechanical rooms located?
3. Fire safety systems – Are there adequate detectors, alarms and well-positioned fire exits?
4. Emergency planning – Are there clearly designed evacuation routes and emergency exits that support swift, safe evacuations?
We believe that every natural disaster brings with it an opportunity, a chance to reset and raise our expectations. This most recent event has created such a moment, challenging Thailand’s developers and residents to adopt a new standard that goes beyond the ordinary: one rooted in resilience, safety, quality and sustainability.
The article is written by Artitaya Kasemlawan, Head of Residential Sales - Project, CBRE Thailand.