Newswise — The earthquake that occurred in Bangkok on March 28, 2025, has become caused panic and raised significant questions about the Thai capital’s preparedness in the face of natural disasters. As the nation’s leading academic institution, Chulalongkorn University recognizes its role in providing multidisciplinary knowledge that can help address such situations comprehensively. The 32nd Chula the Impact Forum under the theme “Chulalongkorn University’s Collective Insight on Surviving the Earthquake Crisis: How Can We Prepare and Recover?” was therefore held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, at Chula Narumit House. Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, opened the event and invited experts from various fields to share insights and strategies on how to respond to earthquakes from scientific, engineering, legal, and public communication perspectives.
In his speech Professor Dr. Wilert placed great emphasis on the university’s role, which is not only to provide classroom education but also to improve the quality of life and offer practical solutions, since, as the motto goes, “When society faces a problem, Chulalongkorn University has the answers.” The forum not only focused on earthquake-related knowledge but also offered valuable lessons on crisis management. The recent powerful earthquake serves as a lesson for preparing for unexpected events and managing an earthquake crisis, ensuring that the public is equipped to react promptly. Additionally, there was emphasis on post-disaster recovery measures such as providing emergency food and shelter, along with effective communication channels for disseminating news. The event aimed to guide the public on how to manage crises without excessive panic.
Professor Dr. Santi Pailoplee, from the Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, explained the basics of earthquakes and aftershocks. He clarified the difference between earthquake magnitude and intensity, as well as the types of earthquakes that could potentially trigger tsunamis. His insights were intended to help the public understand the nature of these disasters more accurately.
“In science, we can identify sensitive areas that are more likely to experience earthquakes using various methods, but it’s impossible to predict exactly when an earthquake will occur. If a time-based prediction is made, it is immediately considered false. Aftershocks, often felt as smaller tremors, pose no immediate danger, and their impact diminishes over time,” Professor Dr. Santi explained. He also mentioned that tsunamis can only occur on Thailand’s Andaman Sea coast and that waves in enclosed bodies of water (e.g., swimming pools, canals) are a phenomenon called “Seiche,” which is not as dangerous as a tsunami.
Professor Dr. Santi further elaborated on the distinction between earthquake magnitude (the energy released from the epicenter) and intensity (the effect felt at different locations). He stressed that earthquake preparedness should begin before any disaster strikes, as consistent drills and knowledge sharing will better equip the public to handle emergencies.
Professor Dr. Punya Charusiri, from the Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, provided information on the likelihood of earthquakes in Thailand. He highlighted the location of “active fault lines” that could cause future seismic activity, which is crucial for urban planning and infrastructure design.
“In Myanmar, the Sky Fault causes earthquakes and is the largest fault in Southeast Asia. Thailand has 16 active fault lines, and their potential for causing earthquakes varies depending on location,” Professor Dr. Punya noted.
In the field of engineering, Associate Professor Dr. Chatpan Chintanapakdee from the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, discussed the impact of earthquakes on building structures, particularly high-rise buildings in Bangkok. He provided guidelines on assessing cracks, evaluating structural damage, and determining whether buildings are still safe for use.
Associate Professor Dr. Chatpan explained that Thailand began enforcing earthquake-resistant building standards in 1997, and these were expanded to Bangkok in 2007. Buildings constructed after 2007 are more resilient to earthquakes. Older buildings, although not directly designed for earthquakes, can withstand lateral forces like wind, which may offer some resistance to shaking. However, buildings constructed before 2007, especially those important for emergency situations, should be evaluated further for safety.
In the legal field, Associate Professor Dr. Angkanawadee Pinkaew from the Faculty of Law, Chulalongkorn University, discussed legal rights for citizens when property is damaged by an earthquake or when they suffer injury due to another’s building. She explained the processes for seeking compensation under civil and criminal law to protect citizens’ rights effectively.
“When an earthquake occurs, property damage is expected. Legally, damage caused by natural disasters is considered force majeure, and the response depends on the situation. Property owners should check if they have insurance or if the seller has warranty coverage. For buildings under construction, responsibility lies with the contractor, especially in cases involving government contracts,” Associate Professor Dr. Angkanawadee explained.
Finally, the topic of public communication was addressed by Assistant Professor Dr. Jessada Salathong from the Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University, who raised concerns about the spread of fake news and confusion during crisis situations. He recommended methods for distinguishing false information and identifying trustworthy sources of information during emergencies.
The forum was not only an informative session for the public but also a collaborative space for proactive inquiry, asking, “How can we live with natural disasters knowledgeably and recover sustainably?”
