Bangkok Governor Demands Earthquake Funds for City Hospitals
Bangkok Reinforces Earthquake Preparedness After Recent Tremors
The recent earthquake in Myanmar, which sent tremors through Thailand and its capital, Bangkok, on March 28th, has renewed discussions about the city’s seismic preparedness. The tremors, prompting evacuations at Siriraj Hospital, spurred Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to reiterate his request for a 9-million-baht budget to equip eight high-rise hospitals with earthquake monitoring devices. This follows a similar proposal rejected by the Bangkok City Council in September 2023.
Governor Chadchart acknowledges the previous rejection, attributing it to a perceived lack of urgency due to the relative absence of significant seismic events in the region in recent years. “Many may not have understood the importance of the project at that time,” he stated. “It’s understandable, as large earthquakes have not been felt in the area for a while. However, with recent developments, perspectives may have shifted.” This renewed urgency highlights the critical need for proactive disaster preparedness, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Bangkok. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2994082/chadchart-wants-b9m-for-seismographs
This initiative aims to install seismographs in key locations across the city, including:
- Thani Nopparat Building at City Hall (37 storeys) × 72nd Anniversary Building at Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital (24 storeys)
- Somdet Chao Phraya Taksin Maharat Building at Taksin Hospital (17 storeys)
- Five additional high-rise hospitals
The proposed budget, a relatively modest sum considering the potential benefits, would provide crucial real-time data on ground motion during seismic events. This data would be instrumental in informing emergency response efforts, assessing structural damage, and ultimately saving lives. Furthermore, Governor Chadchart envisions expanding the network beyond hospitals to include both government and private buildings, creating a comprehensive and robust monitoring system.
“This technology is now more affordable and can provide valuable data for analysis. Installing these devices in both government agencies and private entities will increase data reliability and public confidence.”
Historically, Thailand has experienced earthquakes, though less frequently and intensely than countries located on major fault lines like Japan or Indonesia. However, its proximity to seismically active regions necessitates a proactive approach to earthquake preparedness. Globally, cities in earthquake-prone zones increasingly adopt advanced monitoring technologies to enhance resilience. Examples include Japan’s early warning systems, providing precious seconds for residents to take protective measures, and California’s structural reinforcement projects aimed at mitigating damage from large-scale earthquakes.
The potential consequences of inadequate earthquake preparedness in a city like Bangkok are significant. Damage to critical infrastructure, disruption of essential services, and potential loss of life underscore the importance of proactive measures. The investment in earthquake monitoring technology is a crucial step toward building a more resilient city.
Will this investment truly improve Bangkok’s preparedness? The initiative’s success depends on several factors: timely fund allocation, effective implementation of the monitoring network, and integration of the data into emergency response protocols. Public awareness and education are also crucial. Alongside technological advancements, public awareness campaigns are essential to educate citizens on earthquake safety measures and foster a culture of preparedness.
In conclusion, Governor Chadchart’s renewed push for earthquake monitoring technology represents a vital step toward safeguarding Bangkok from potential seismic devastation. This initiative, spurred by the recent tremors, reflects a growing recognition of the importance of proactive disaster preparedness in an increasingly unpredictable world. The relatively modest investment promises significant returns in enhanced safety, improved emergency response, and greater public confidence. By learning from global best practices and investing in advanced technologies, Bangkok is taking proactive steps toward building a more resilient and secure future.
