A ceiling collapsed in the canteen of the Parliament building in Bangkok yesterday, September 13, damaging tables and chairs below. No injuries were reported because the incident occurred during a holiday, when government officials and staff were not using the area.
The collapse occurred in the canteen on the B2 floor of the Parliament building. The fallen ceiling caused extensive damage to the dining furniture underneath.
According to Channel 3, the canteen is normally a busy area used by MPs, senators, civil servants, parliamentary employees and other political figures for breaks and lunch. The report said several people could have been injured had the collapse occurred on a weekday when the area was in use.
Following the incident, relevant officials and engineers from the Parliament building inspected the damaged area and began investigating the cause. Possible factors under consideration include structural problems, moisture and deteriorated materials.
Amorn Pimarnmas, President of the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand and a professor at the Faculty of Engineering at Kasetsart University, said the collapse could have resulted from several factors.
These included a water leak or moisture, low-quality ceiling panels, problems with ceiling panel installation, excessive weight or a lack of maintenance. Amorn urged Parliament officials to inspect all areas of the building to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Channel 3 reported that Parliament officials planned to temporarily restrict access to the affected area while repairs and further safety inspections were carried out. The canteen was expected to undergo inspection and repairs before normal operations resumed today, September 14.
The Parliament building was constructed in 2013 at a reported cost of around 20 billion baht. The building has previously experienced water leaks and water accumulation in several areas during periods of heavy rain.
The repeated problems have prompted questions from members of the public about the value of the construction budget. Some have also called on the government to seek responsibility from the construction contractor, Sino-Thai Engineering & Construction Public Company Limited (STECON).
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul previously commented on problems affecting the Parliament building when he was serving as deputy prime minister and interior minister. He said deterioration was to be expected because the building is used by tens of thousands of people.
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