On April 18, 2025, Mr. Eknath Promphan, the Minister of Industry, announced that new safety standards for escalators and automatic walkways are set to be implemented in Thailand, aiming to enhance public safety in various locations such as shopping malls, airports, and subway stations. This decision comes in light of recent earthquakes that have raised concerns about the safety of such facilities.
During a Cabinet meeting on March 27, 2025, the government approved a draft regulation mandating that escalators and automatic walkways adhere to specific safety standards. These standards are designed to ensure that these products can withstand seismic events, reflecting the reality that earthquakes are no longer a distant concern for Thailand. Mr. Eknath emphasized the importance of adhering to internationally recognized safety standards to minimize potential damage in the event of an earthquake.
"I have instructed the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) to expedite the announcement of escalators and automatic walkways as controlled products due to their direct impact on public safety," stated Mr. Eknath. He further noted that the new regulations would take effect 90 days after their publication in the Royal Gazette, expected to occur in October 2025.
Mr. Wanchai Phonmchai, Secretary-General of TISI, elaborated on the standards, which will incorporate advanced safety features including earthquake detection systems. These systems will be linked to the electrical operations of the escalators and automatic walkways. In the event of an earthquake, the systems will immediately halt operations to prevent accidents.
Additionally, the standards will ensure that escalators and walkways are securely anchored to their bases and that their movement aligns with the structural movement of surrounding buildings. Other critical safety measures include automatic shutdown if the escalators or walkways experience abnormal speeds or if any foreign objects obstruct their mechanisms.
As part of the preparation for these new regulations, TISI held a seminar on April 3, 2025, aimed at informing manufacturers, importers, and distributors about the licensing process for the new standards. A total of 92 participants attended, indicating a strong interest in compliance and safety.
Meanwhile, concerns about the safety of large dams in Thailand have also been addressed. Mr. Chawalit Kan Kam, Assistant Director of Hydroelectric Power Plant Management at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), reassured the public about the structural integrity of major dams, including the Bhumibol Dam. Following a recent earthquake in Myanmar, which had repercussions in Thailand, many residents expressed fears regarding the stability of these structures.
Mr. Chawalit confirmed that EGAT has designed its dams to withstand seismic activity and conducts regular inspections in accordance with international standards set by the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). He stated, "All major dams under our management have remained unaffected by recent seismic events and continue to operate efficiently for water storage and electricity generation."
The Bhumibol Dam, located approximately 482.82 kilometers from the earthquake's epicenter, recorded a negligible seismic acceleration of 0.00457g, demonstrating its resilience. Other dams, such as the Sirikit Dam and the Srinakarin Dam, also reported minimal seismic activity, further assuring the public of their safety.
EGAT employs a comprehensive safety monitoring approach, which includes regular inspections and assessments every two years, as well as special inspections in the event of unusual occurrences, such as significant earthquakes or heavy rainfall. This rigorous protocol ensures that any potential issues are addressed promptly, maintaining public confidence in the safety of these critical infrastructures.
Additionally, EGAT has developed an application called EGAT ONE, available on both iOS and Android, which allows the public to access real-time information about water management and safety alerts. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and communication with the community regarding dam safety.
As Thailand prepares to implement these new regulations for escalators and automatic walkways, along with ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of its dams, the government is taking significant steps to prioritize public safety in the face of natural disasters. With the introduction of advanced safety standards and a commitment to regular inspections, officials hope to mitigate risks and reassure citizens about the safety of public infrastructure.
