On June 22, 2026, Mr. Narong Ruengsri, Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), announced proactive safety measures following a fatal incident where a concrete awning collapsed from an old commercial building on Rama IV Road in Samphanthawong District, causing one fatality and damaging three vehicles. In response, the BMA has collaborated with the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, the Engineering Institute of Thailand Under His Majesty The King’s Patronage (EIT), and relevant agencies to secure the area, issue a temporary building closure order, and establish a command center to assist those affected. To prevent future occurrences, the BMA has ordered a comprehensive, proactive inspection of aging structures throughout the capital.

Under these new guidelines, the BMA’s Public Works Department and district offices are forming specialized working groups with the EIT to inspect old buildings, focusing particularly on structural elements such as awnings, beams, and unstable exterior components showing signs of deterioration. District offices have also been instructed to educate building owners on regular maintenance, urging prompt repairs to mitigate risks associated with structural age and weather conditions. To facilitate public participation, citizens can request structural awning inspections through the Building Control Office via the Line OA account (@bmaepermit). For long-term management, the BMA is upgrading its database by conducting extensive surveys to assess and prioritize the risk levels of similarly constructed or high-risk buildings. If any structure or component is deemed unsafe, building owners will be immediately notified to rectify the issues in strict compliance with the Building Control Act B.E. 2522 (1979) to ensure public safety.