Thai Senator Alleges Over 100 High-Rises Lack Fire Access
Senator Sunthon Phruekphiphat urges the Ministry of Interior and Bangkok authorities to inspect luxury condominiums over building code violations.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Senator Sunthon warns over 100 high-rises in Bangkok lack required fire truck access roads.
- Developers allegedly altered building layouts from approved construction blueprints.
- A recent nearby auto repair shop fire serves as a critical warning sign.
- Authorities are urged to strictly enforce building safety regulations immediately.
During the Senate session on August 1st under Article 18 concerning public grievances, Senator Sunthon Phruekphiphat, Chairman of the Consumer Protection Sub-Committee under the Committee on Political Development, Public Participation, Human Rights, and Consumer Protection, raised a critical structural safety warning regarding high-rise buildings. He highlighted that numerous luxury condominiums and high-rises currently violate building control laws, which mandate that high-rise structures must be surrounded by roads at least 6 meters wide to ensure fire engines and rescue vehicles can access all sides during emergencies.
Senator Sunthon revealed data gathered in coordination with the Thailand Consumers Council, which has received complaints from citizens since late last year. The investigation initially identified over 50 prominent real estate projects in Bangkok and its surrounding areas violating these regulations, and updated figures show that this number has now surged past 100 buildings.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Comparing the architectural designs submitted for construction permits with the actual blueprints used for marketing and construction, investigators discovered that surrounding spaces had been modified, leaving inadequate clearance for the required 6-meter emergency vehicle pathways. This widespread deviation poses severe threats to the lives and properties of residents.
"When comparing the blueprints submitted for construction permits with those used for marketing and actual construction, it was found that the surrounding areas were modified, leaving no 6-meter clearance road as required by law. This poses an extreme danger to the lives and properties of residents."
Sunthon PhruekphiphatClear warning signs have already emerged, referenced by a recent fire at an auto repair shop last month where flames burned dangerously close to neighboring condominiums on both sides. Both affected buildings similarly lacked the mandatory 6-meter surrounding access roads. Fortunately, the fire did not spread into the residential structures, but state authorities should not wait for a major tragedy to occur before taking proactive measures.
Setback regulations and perimeter road clearances for high-rise buildings are core components of urban safety infrastructure. Because high-rises house dense populations, uninterrupted access for aerial ladder trucks and fire apparatus is vital for survival during emergencies. Real estate developers attempting to compromise perimeter space to maximize commercial areas or indoor square footage represents a serious breach of public safety that municipal authorities must rigorously investigate.
Senator Sunthon directly urged the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Ministry of Interior, which oversees the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, to promptly deploy inspectors, tightly regulate permit issuance, and strictly enforce legal penalties against non-compliant developers. He emphasized that this issue must not merely become another repetitive "lesson learned" following past nightclub fire tragedies, while also noting observations regarding the safety standards of the Thai parliament building toward the end of his address.
Furthermore, Senator Sunthon urged residents living in condominiums to inspect the perimeter areas of their own residential projects to verify whether a 6-meter wide access road is present. If irregularities are discovered, residents should immediately notify the relevant authorities to protect their rights and personal safety.
Source:
Matichon Politics
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