Bangkok: An engineering professor at Kasetsart University believes that the tremors felt by people in several tall buildings yesterday were not caused by aftershocks. He pointed out that buildings in Bangkok passed a major test, with only the State Audit Office building failing. From now on, it is time to learn and adapt.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suttisak Soralamp, a lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering, Department of Soil and Foundation Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, said that people are still worried about the earthquake because it is a severe tremor, the strongest ever recorded in Thailand.
Since the main earthquake in the Sagaing Fault Group, Myanmar, on March 28, 2025, there have been continuous aftershocks, but they have decreased in size over time. As for those living and working in tall buildings who felt the tremors and were concerned that it was the result of the aftershocks, Professor Suttisak stated that this was unlikely as it was an aftershock of about magnitude 3, coming from the Sagaing Fault Group, approximately 1,000 kilometers from Bangkok. Before this, there was an aftershock of magnitude 4-5, but we didn't feel it at all.
As for concerns about whether the mainshock caused structural damage to the building, making it susceptible to vibrations, Professor Sutthisak said it was possible, but it had to come from finding the main structure of the building, such as damaged columns and beams. As for finding a fallen ceiling or cracked walls, it was normal. However, from an engineer's perspective, many tall buildings in Bangkok that survived the recent earthquake passed the test, except for the State Audit Office building that collapsed, which must be investigated to find the cause.
Professor Sutthisak also said that the principle of building construction is that we allow some shaking. A slight shaking means that the structure is flexible, better than a rigid building which is more dangerous because if damaged by shaking, it will collapse quickly. From now on, it is time to adjust that earthquakes are a phenomenon that can happen. Creating understanding will help reduce anxiety and increase safety in case the situation occurs. If we learn and understand, we will be able to return to normal life.