Dr. Pennung Warnitchai, Coordinator of Structural Engineering Field of Study, School of Engineering and Technology and an AIT earthquake guru said if an earthquake of a moderate force hits Bangkok anytime, it could kill thousands of people. “Before something like that happens, shouldn’t we try to apply the knowledge we have to reduce the risk as much as possible?”
Dr. Pennung was quoted in an article published in the Bangkok Post, dated 25 June 2007. He said concerned agencies have been working out measures to better deal with earthquakes. Besides possible warning systems and mass public evacuation plans, recent discussions by scientists have focused on improving building structures so that they can better withstand violent ground tremors. If proposed regulation amendments are implemented, Thai scientists believe strengthened structures will resist moderate earthquake-prone areas including Bangkok. The building structures would suffer some damage from moderate earthquakes, but remain standing.
In his interview, Dr. Pennung added that a new earthquake risk assessment map developed by a group of scientists including him revealed the country was at risk of moderate earthquakes, with magnitudes of up to 6 on the Richter scale, or a bit more, but these would rarely take place.
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