In a significant move towards enhancing public safety, Thailand's Ministry of Industry is pushing for the implementation of mandatory safety standards for escalators and moving walkways. The announcement was made by Mr. Eknat Phromphan, the Minister of Industry, who emphasized the urgency of this initiative following the approval from the Cabinet. The new regulations will classify escalators and moving walkways as controlled products, requiring compliance with established safety standards, particularly in public spaces such as shopping malls, airports, and subways.
Mr. Phromphan stated, "The safety of our citizens is paramount, especially in public areas where escalators and moving walkways are frequently used. This initiative comes in light of recent earthquakes, reminding us that we must prepare for such natural disasters. Our standards will ensure that these installations are safe and reliable for everyone." The new regulations aim to align with international safety standards, ensuring that escalators and moving walkways can withstand seismic activities.
Mr. Wanichai Phanomchai, Secretary-General of the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), elaborated on the specifics of the new standards. He noted that the guidelines will incorporate high safety measures based on international standards (ISO), which are recognized globally. The standards will include earthquake detection systems that are connected to the electrical systems of escalators and moving walkways, allowing them to shut down immediately in the event of seismic activity.
Additionally, the standards will require that escalators and moving walkways are securely anchored to prevent them from dislodging during an earthquake. They will also specify the length and movement range of these installations to ensure compatibility with building movements during seismic events. Other critical safety measures include immediate system shutdowns in the case of unusual speed, malfunctioning brakes, or obstructions detected in the escalator's mechanisms.
These new regulations are expected to come into effect by October 2025, compelling all operators to adhere to the standards or face legal repercussions. On April 3, 2025, TISI held a seminar to prepare stakeholders for the licensing process associated with the new standards, attracting 92 participants from various sectors, including manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
Meanwhile, concerns about the safety of large dams in Thailand have also been addressed by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). Following an earthquake centered in Myanmar that raised alarms about structural integrity, Mr. Chwalit Kunkan, an assistant governor at EGAT, reassured the public about the resilience of their dams. He stated, "Our dams are designed to withstand seismic events, and we have stringent monitoring protocols in place to ensure their safety." He highlighted that all major dams under EGAT's supervision are equipped to handle earthquakes with accelerations of 0.1-0.2g.
EGAT's monitoring revealed that the recent earthquake did not significantly impact the structural integrity of the dams. For instance, the Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit, located approximately 546.36 kilometers from the earthquake's epicenter, recorded an acceleration of only 0.00074g. Similarly, the Phumipol Dam, situated 482.82 kilometers away, measured 0.00457g, while dams in Kanchanaburi, such as Srinakarin and Wachiralongkorn, recorded accelerations of 0.00473g and 0.02590g, respectively.
EGAT follows international standards set by the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) for the safety and security of their structures. This includes a three-tiered inspection process: regular inspections conducted weekly by dedicated staff, formal evaluations every two years by a safety assessment committee, and special inspections triggered by unusual events, such as significant earthquakes or heavy rainfall that could affect water levels.
Furthermore, the public can stay informed about water management and safety alerts through the EGAT ONE application, available on both iOS and Android platforms. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and ensure that citizens are aware of any potential risks associated with dam operations.
As Thailand prepares for the implementation of these new safety standards, both the Ministry of Industry and EGAT are taking proactive steps to safeguard public welfare in the face of natural disasters. With the establishment of stringent regulations for escalators and moving walkways, alongside the assurance of dam safety, the government is demonstrating its commitment to protecting its citizens and infrastructure.
These developments reflect a broader recognition of the importance of safety standards in mitigating risks associated with natural disasters. As the country continues to experience geological events, the emphasis on compliance with international safety measures will be crucial in ensuring the well-being of the population.
