Bangkok: Urgent measures are being taken by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) following the detection of potential risks associated with awnings on an old building situated on Dinsao Road. The BMA Permanent Secretary has urgently called for building owners to conduct regular inspections for structural weaknesses and report any potential hazards immediately for further inspection.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Narong Ruangsri, the Permanent Secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, personally visited the Dinso Road area in Phra Nakhon District to assess the progress of investigations related to the "collapsed awning" issue. This follows extensive surveys and inspections conducted by the Public Works Department and the Phra Nakhon District Office, which identified the area as high-risk prior to any incident occurring, showcasing proactive measures in public safety management.
The inspections confirmed that while no awnings have collapsed yet, the overall building structure is stable. Nonetheless, to preemptively tackle potential dangers, the BMA, in conjunction with the Department of Public Works, the Phra Nakhon District Office, and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, is coordinating efforts to dismantle, remove, and fortify any hazardous awnings. Personnel are actively monitoring the vicinity to mitigate any adverse impacts on the public and road users.
The BMA Permanent Secretary stressed the importance of routine inspections and monitoring of older buildings as a fundamental strategy to avert accidents, particularly concerning exterior components like awnings. Building owners and the public are urged to be vigilant for signs of structural issues such as cracks or tilting and to report these signs promptly to the relevant authorities for assessment and intervention.
Collaborative efforts continue between the BMA, the Department of Public Works, district offices, and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. This collaboration extends to the Department of Public Works and Town Planning, as well as the Engineering Institute of Thailand under the Royal Patronage (EIT), to survey and monitor buildings potentially at risk. Experts are being deployed to evaluate the structural integrity of these buildings to prevent risks that could endanger lives and property, ensuring public confidence in the safety of Bangkok's infrastructure.
Citizens concerned about the structural safety of buildings or awnings can request inspections via the Line OA of the Building Control Office, Department of Public Works. The Line ID is @bmaepermit, where users can select the "Request Building Inspection" menu option.