Expert warns demolition of fire-damaged Klong Thom Centre building risky

Demolition of the fire damaged Klong Thom Centre would be very risky, because part of the structure is either bent or has already collapsed, posing a high risk of further collapse during demolition, according to Amorn Pimanmas, president of the Thailand Structural Engineers Association (TSEA).

Amorn has also identified elements which could have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire last Friday night.

There were many flammable materials in the building, including electronic accessories, batteries and cables, he noted. There were also many shops in the building, contributing to the spread of the fire, and the steel beams and building structure, when exposed to prolonged heat, have deformed.

Amorn also said that he wonders whether the sprinkler system and fire hydrants were working properly when the building caught fire.

He warned officials responsible for demolishing the damaged building to exercise extreme caution due to the high risk of collapse, adding that experts should be consulted about how to carry out such work safely.

The association president also suggested that the city administration inspect other old buildings which house many shops containing flammable goods and consider amending the law to increase safety standards of commercial buildings.