How long before Thailand’s own Grenfell inferno?
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In the wake of the Grenfell Tower inferno, British authorities tested the external cladding – panels in widespread use to insulate buildings and improve their appearance – of 60 high-rise apartment buildings for the required fire resistance.
All 60 buildings failed the test, which is frightening enough for the British – but as Thai enforcement of regulations is extremely lax, how safe are Thai high-rises?
PM Prayut should immediately order that all apartment high-rises nationwide be tested for compliance with fire regulations within the next 90 days, using foreign inspectors and laboratories if necessary to meet the deadline. All buildings must be brought into full compliance within 90 days after inspection results are announced, or the building closed.
We must learn from the Grenfell inferno, lest it happen here.
Burin Kantabutra
