Ageing office buildings in Bangkok face increasing pressure to compete not just on location or aesthetics but also on clear safety and sustainability credentials. While superficial refurbishments might extend their viability in the short term, long-term competitiveness will likely depend on more substantial structural retrofits or achieving recognised certifications.
For tenants, relocation decisions require careful consideration, particularly for companies with established roots in specific areas, where proximity supports employee commuting patterns and talent retention. While safety is paramount in decision-making, value for money and access to established business clusters remain critical considerations.
Although Bangkok’s recent earthquake caused no visible damage to the city’s office landscape in the immediate term, it has unsettled market confidence. In an era where trust is tangible, a building’s proven safety readiness and quality, not just location, will determine its future relevance in Bangkok’s evolving office landscape.