Building Community Confidence in High-Rise Safety

The recent 8.2 magnitude earthquake along the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar sent tremors through many parts of Bangkok, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness. While our capital city isn't situated directly on a fault line, we cannot afford to overlook the necessity of vigilance when it comes to natural disasters. 

As a leading real estate advisory and property management firm in Thailand, CBRE recognizes that ensuring building safety goes beyond mere compliance with laws and engineering standards. It’s an essential part of cultivating long-term trust among developers, tenants and residents alike.

Embracing Preparedness as a Vision

In 2007, Thailand began enforcing building design standards aimed at enhancing earthquake resistance. As a result, many contemporary buildings, especially new developments by leading developers, are designed to modern safety standards and equipped with well-integrated protection systems.

For older buildings or those that haven't undergone a recent assessment, a comprehensive structural assessment can bolster confidence for both residents and occupants.

CBRE’s Recommendations for Enhancing Confidence in High-Rise Buildings

1. For building owners and developers:
We advise reviewing the original structural design documents. If necessary, building owners may consider commissioning a seismic resistance assessment by a qualified structural engineer. This evaluation helps determine whether the building’s structural system can withstand potential ground motion from future earthquakes and provides assurance that the building’s design is adequately resistant to seismic activity.

2. For residents and building users:
It's essential for everyone to know the locations of emergency exits, assembly points and evacuation plans in their condominiums or office buildings. Being aware of these safety protocols is just as important as practicing general health and safety in our everyday lives.

3. For building management teams:
Establishing a clear emergency communication plan is vital. Safety manuals should be regularly updated, and emergency drills should be conducted routinely in collaboration with the juristic entity, tenants and residents.

Elevating the Safety Standards of Thai Real Estate, Together

CBRE believes that property developers in Thailand are committed to delivering high-quality projects in terms of design, sustainability and safety. Collaboration among building owners, engineers, residents and property managers will help us create cities that are resilient, secure and livable for everyone.

In a world where uncertainty is inevitable, preparedness is no longer just about mitigating risk; it’s about instilling lasting confidence and trust in our shared spaces. Together, we can ensure that our homes and workplaces remain safe, stable, and brimming with life-enhancing value.


This article is written by Roongrat Veeraparkkaroon, Managing Director, CBRE Thailand.