Bangkok: The devastating fire at the Khlong Thom Center has been attributed to five critical factors, as outlined by the President of the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand, Mr. Amorn Pimanamas. The fire, which spread rapidly within an hour, has raised significant concerns about building safety and regulatory compliance.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pimanamas conducted an inspection of the site and identified several factors that contributed to the swift progression of the fire. The presence of highly flammable materials, including electronic equipment, wires, and batteries, provided ample fuel for the fire. The building's design, with partitioned rooms, allowed flames and hot gases to move swiftly through the structure.
The structural composition of the building posed another major issue. The main framework consisted of steel columns and beams, which deformed and collapsed under high heat, suggesting potential non-compliance with fire protection regulations. An investigation into whether the steel structure met fire safety standards, such as fire-resistant coatings or concrete cladding, is ongoing.
Further inspection by the Building Control Department revealed the building's classification as an "extra-large building," necessitating an automatic fire suppression system. The effectiveness of the sprinkler system during the incident is under scrutiny, with investigations into whether it functioned correctly and if there were any failures in the water delivery system.
The fire also highlighted concerns regarding the adequacy of fire hydrants and hose connections, given the building's substantial size. The capacity to deliver water effectively to the building's core is being questioned.
The aftermath of the fire has left the building's steel structure severely damaged and unusable, necessitating demolition. However, the demolition process requires careful planning due to the building's unstable condition. Mr. Pimanamas emphasized the need for a qualified engineer to develop a demolition plan to ensure safety and prevent further structural collapse.
In response to the incident, Mr. Pimanamas suggested revisiting building regulations, especially those governing commercial buildings with high fire risks like those storing electronic goods. Proposals include amending ministerial regulations and ordinances to enhance safety controls.
Additionally, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has been urged to conduct thorough inspections of older buildings in commercial areas to identify potential risks. The Ministerial Regulation of 2020 empowers local officials to mandate repairs on buildings deemed unsafe.
As investigations continue, Mr. Pimanamas called for a fair assessment of responsibilities concerning the building's safety compliance and potential negligence. The incident serves as a crucial reminder for authorities to prioritize inspections and regulatory updates to prevent similar tragedies in the future.