SAKIGAKE管理人 On March 28, 2025, a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck western Myanmar. Despite the epicenter being over 1,000 kilometers away, the quake had a significant impact on Bangkok, Thailand. In response, SAKIGAKE JAPAN Corp. conducted an on-site investigation in Bangkok, assessing the earthquake’s impact and engaging in discussions to strengthen disaster preparedness partnerships in the region.
This event reminded us once again: Earthquake damage can occur even far from the epicenter.
Our field study revealed vulnerabilities in urban environments, particularly in relation to the risk posed by long-period ground motions.
■ Collapse of a High-Rise Building: A Wake-Up Call for “Invisible Shaking”
One of the most widely reported incidents was the collapse of a high-rise building that had been scheduled to house the Office of the Auditor General. Although structural issues were cited, the fact that such a collapse occurred so far from the epicenter underscores the limited preparedness for seismic events in Bangkok.
Our team visited the site of the collapsed building, as well as several nearby high-rise structures. We observed widespread damage such as ceiling and wall material detachment, especially in mid-level floors. In contrast, low-rise buildings appeared largely unaffected.
This pattern is characteristic of what is known as long-period ground motion—a type of seismic wave that travels long distances and causes large, slow swaying. These waves tend to resonate with high-rise buildings, concentrating the damage on structures with longer natural periods.
■ Earthquake Risk and Urban Geology in Thailand
Thailand is generally not considered a high-risk earthquake zone, due to the absence of active fault lines within its borders. However, the 2025 event demonstrated that large earthquakes in neighboring countries like Myanmar can still affect Thailand, particularly in cities like Bangkok.
Bangkok is built on soft, alluvial soil in a low-lying area around the Chao Phraya River. This soft ground amplifies seismic waves, making the city more vulnerable to long-period motions, despite its distance from active seismic zones.
■ Growing Interest in Japanese Disaster Technology and the Potential of Aster Power Coating
In our meetings with local construction firms and university experts, many expressed concern over interior damage and finishing material detachment, which occurred even in buildings that were structurally intact. This has highlighted a growing interest in advanced protective technologies—especially those that go beyond structural reinforcement.
One such solution is Japan’s Aster Power Coating, a high-performance seismic protection coating developed to meet the demands of modern urban architecture:
- Prevents peeling and cracking of wall finishes during earthquakes
- Follows micro-deformations caused by long-period ground motion
As urbanization and high-rise development continue in Southeast Asia, materials that can resist “invisible shaking” will be essential for effective disaster preparedness.
▶ Aster Power Coating
https://sakigakejp.com/en/sales/aster-power-coating-2/
■ Looking Ahead: Toward Regional Collaboration
We also engaged in productive discussions with a researcher from the local university. In the aftermath of the quake, Thailand is expected to review its building codes and urban disaster strategies. Against the backdrop of concerns about China risk, we also realized that trust and expectations for Japanese disaster prevention technologies and products are growing.
We have already received inquiries from several companies, and we will continue to strengthen cooperation with the local community and follow up with them for concrete proposals and verification.
■ Final Thoughts
Natural disasters that occur far away can still pose serious threats to urban infrastructure and human safety. This reality highlights the urgent need for knowledge-sharing and technical cooperation.
SAKIGAKE JAPAN remains committed to serving as a hub for disaster preparedness in Asia—offering locally informed risk assessments and practical, field-based solutions for the future.
▶ Aster Power Coating
https://sakigakejp.com/en/sales/aster-power-coating-2/
▶ For inquiries
https://sakigakejp.com/en/contact-en/