Thammasat University academics have called for greater resilience and better disaster response as earthquake and climate risks rise.
The university held a seminar titled “Designing Resilience: Technology Solutions for Disaster Preparedness in an Era of Climate Uncertainty” on Friday, with researchers from four faculties and institutes.
Prof Nakhorn Poovarodom of the Faculty of Engineering said the earthquake on March 28 last year, centred in Mandalay, Myanmar, sent strong tremors through Bangkok and caused extensive damage. He warned the Sagaing fault is one of the world’s longest and most active faults and remains a concern because of its proximity to Thailand.
Prof Nakhorn said last year’s quake began on the central segment, which scientists estimate has a recurrence interval of about 200 years. Historical records indicate the previous major quake occurred during the reign of King Rama III, suggesting an interval of roughly 180 years.
Greater attention should now be paid to the southern segment, he said, estimated to recur about every 100 years. Its last known major quake was during the reign of King Rama VII, about 96 years ago. Another quake on this segment could hit Bangkok more severely because it is closer to the city.
The professor urged stricter enforcement of building safety standards. Thailand had substantial research potential and knowledge, he said, but gaps remained in public awareness, acceptance and enforcement.
Assoc Prof Teerayut Horanont of the Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) said early-warning systems and preparedness were crucial. Digital technology and artificial intelligence could analyse natural phenomena and human behaviour to improve planning and emergency responses, he said.
Assoc Prof Manat Srivanit of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning highlighted extreme heat. Climate projections indicate Bangkok’s temperatures could rise by as much as 5C by 2100.
Asst Prof Amorntep Jirasakjamroonsri of the Faculty of Science and Technology said researchers needed better Thailand-specific data. His team had been developing vibration-monitoring equipment and installing it in risk-prone areas to expand the country’s earthquake database.
The warnings came as Thailand continued to record minor earthquakes, with a magnitude-2.4 tremor at a depth of 5km reported in Pong district, Phayao, on Saturday, following recent quakes in Chiang Rai, Lampang and Tak.