Is It Safe to Live in a Condo After the Bangkok Earthquake?

The recent Bangkok earthquake in 2025 shook not just the ground—but also the confidence of many residents, especially those living in high-rise condos. Social media flooded with videos and personal accounts of buildings swaying during the tremor. While the earthquake caused no major damage, the experience left people asking: “Is it still safe to live in a condo in Bangkok?” This article explores Bangkok earthquake condo safety, compares condos and houses, and offers clarity on building safety standards in Thailand.

Bangkok Earthquake

What Happened During the 2025 Bangkok Earthquake?

On March 28, 2025, a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck near Mandalay in the Sagaing Region of Myanmar, with tremors felt across parts of Bangkok and other regions in Thailand.

In Bangkok, residents in high-rise buildings experienced noticeable swaying, leading to evacuations in areas such as Sukhumvit, Sathorn, Rama 9, and Ratchada. Reports indicated that an under-construction 30-story building collapsed, resulting in casualties and trapping workers under the debris.

Despite the structural damage and panic, the majority of Bangkok’s modern high-rise buildings, constructed in accordance with updated building codes, remained intact. However, the event has raised concerns among residents about the earthquake resilience of high-rise living in Bangkok.

Are Condos in Bangkok Earthquake Resistant?

This is the question on everyone’s mind. The good news is that modern condos in Bangkok are designed with seismic activity in mind, even though the city is not in a high-risk earthquake zone.

Here's what you should know:

  • Thai Building Codes: Since 2007, Thailand has implemented building codes that include earthquake resistance, especially for high-rise structures.
  • Engineering Standards: Most new condos—especially those in central areas like Sukhumvit, Sathorn, or Rama 9—are designed to sway without breaking, reducing the risk of collapse.
  • Older Buildings: Condos built before these regulations may not meet the same standards. That’s why it’s important to check the construction year and developer reputation when buying or renting.

 

So while the motion during an earthquake may feel scary, the movement is usually intentional and part of the safety design.

Condo vs. House in Bangkok: Which is Safer?

Many are now considering if living in a house is safer than a condo after experiencing the quake. Here’s a comparison:

Condos (High-Rise Buildings)

  • Built with seismic sway tolerance
  • Generally newer and follow modern codes
  • Greater visibility in terms of maintenance and safety protocols
  • Higher evacuation complexity during emergencies
  • Lower evacuation risk
  • Often older and may not follow seismic codes
  • Structural quality varies depending on builder
  • More likely to suffer foundation damage in soft soil areas

Conclusion? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A well-built condo may be safer than an old, poorly constructed house—and vice versa. The construction quality matters more than the building type.

How to Know If Your Condo is Earthquake Safe

Here are a few practical tips for evaluating condo earthquake safety in Bangkok

  1. Check the building’s completion year – Condos built post-2007 are more likely to meet seismic standards.
  2. Research the developer – Reputable developers like Sansiri, Ananda, and SC Asset often follow strict safety protocols.
  3. Look for structural audits – Some condominiums publish engineering inspection reports annually.
  4. Speak with building management – Ask about evacuation plans, drills, and earthquake protocols.
  5. Stay informed – Use apps like Earthquake Alert or follow announcements from Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

What to Do During an Earthquake in a Condo

If you’re in a high-rise during an earthquake:

 

  • Don’t run immediately – Running down a swaying stairwell can be more dangerous.
  • Stay away from windows and heavy furniture
  • Find a safe spot under a table or near an interior wall.
  • Wait for shaking to stop before evacuating if necessary.
  • Use stairs, not elevators, after the quake.

Being prepared is key—earthquake safety is about knowledge, not just structure.

Should You Still Live in a Condo in Bangkok?

Despite the recent panic, the answer is: Yes, it’s still safe to live in a condo—especially newer ones built to modern engineering standards.

 

Thailand is not located on a major fault line, so earthquakes are rare and usually mild in Bangkok. That said, safety is still a concern that developers, engineers, and building authorities take seriously.

 

If you’re considering buying or renting a unit, focus on build quality, location, and management. In many cases, modern high-rise condos are safer than standalone houses, particularly in densely populated zones.

Final Thoughts

The recent earthquake in Thailand 2025 may have caused anxiety, but it also brought attention to something important—knowing how and where we live matters.

 

Whether you live in a condo or a house in Bangkok, understanding building standards, safety features, and how to respond during a tremor can help you make smart, confident decisions.

 

For the majority of residents in modern condos, there is no need to panic—but there is a need to stay informed.

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