Bangkok: The Department of Public Works is ramping up inspections of buildings and advertising signs in response to instructions from the Minister of Interior, aiming to bolster safety during the upcoming rainy season. According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Public Works and Town Planning is acting on directives from Deputy Minister of Interior, Mr. Jetseth Thaiseth, to ensure readiness for storms and heavy rainfall expected in the 2026 rainy season. The department has ordered its affiliated agencies nationwide to keep a vigilant eye on weather updates from the Meteorological Department and to accelerate inspections of potentially vulnerable structures, including buildings, advertising signs, and large trees. Efforts are also being made to ensure that personnel, tools, and equipment are prepared to offer prompt assistance to the public, alongside initiatives to raise awareness for personal and community safety.
Mr. Pongnara Yenying, the Director-General of the Department of Public Works and Town Planning, highlighted the increased risks of thunderstorms and strong winds during Thailand's rainy season, which could pose threats to life and property. The department is appealing for public cooperation in assessing the structural integrity of buildings, particularly roof tiles and other components that might be dislodged. Residents are advised to avoid areas near buildings, structures, advertising signs, or large trees that could collapse during storms. The public is also encouraged to promptly report any unstable structures to authorities to mitigate potential hazards.
The Director-General further noted that provincial public works and town planning offices have been directed to rigorously inspect temporary buildings, open-area structures, and the construction or alteration of advertising signs for compliance with building control laws. Advertising signs must be designed, calculated, and certified for structural soundness by a licensed professional engineer. Additionally, signs exceeding specific height and size criteria must undergo inspections by a qualified civil engineer to ensure public safety.
In instances of illegal construction or modification of advertising signs, local officials are empowered to halt construction, enforce corrections, or mandate the acquisition of proper permits. Should compliance not be met, demolition orders will be issued, accompanied by criminal charges against violators.
For existing authorized signs that pose safety risks due to age or damage, local officials will require timely repairs. Non-compliance may lead to immediate demolition to safeguard public safety.
Owners of large advertising signs or those installed on rooftops must engage registered building inspectors to evaluate structural integrity and equipment systems, submitting inspection reports to local authorities for certification.
Non-compliance with these regulations invites penalties under Section 65 bis, which includes imprisonment, fines, or both, with additional fines accruing daily until compliance is achieved. Local officials are tasked with pursuing legal action against offenders.
Mr. Pongnara emphasized the Department's commitment to supporting the Deputy Minister of Interior's preventative policy, focusing on proactive structural monitoring and public education to minimize risks associated with severe weather.
Deputy Minister Jetseth Thaiseth reiterated the importance of prioritizing risk prevention and maintaining preparedness to support the public swiftly during emergencies, particularly regarding structures susceptible to strong winds.