After the Shock: Rethinking Property Resilience in Thailand

The recent earthquakes in Thailand have made us all think about how well buildings in Thailand are prepared to withstand seismic events. As Co-Head of Property Management at JLL Thailand, the largest international property manager in the country with a portfolio of over 6.15 million sq.m. of commercial and residential properties, I know first-hand how essential readiness, coordination, and communication become during these moments.

Following the recent quake, JLL swiftly activated emergency protocols across all managed properties. We conducted prompt visual inspections of structural elements and critical systems, such as elevators, fire alarms, and emergency lighting, while evaluating the need for evacuation. Our site teams maintained close contact with JLL’s centralized emergency response center to share updates and implement safety measures. Clear and timely communication with building users and owners was prioritized to maintain calm and trust.

Our inspections, while revealing no major structural failures, highlighted common vulnerabilities. Many older buildings lacked seismic sensors and elevator recall systems. Properties without integrated digital platforms experienced less efficient communication. Assembly points and escape routes often lacked clear visibility and signage, and some building users were unaware of proper emergency procedures. These findings emphasize that effective emergency performance relies not only on physical structures but also on integrated systems, protocols, and occupant preparedness.

Since the event, clients have shown a significant shift toward proactive resilience. Many landlords are now seeking formal risk assessments from certified engineers, reviewing emergency procedures, and expressing interest in scenario-based drills, information updates, and insurance revisions for natural disasters. Some are even considering seismic upgrades for buildings outside designated risk zones. This move from reactive response to proactive asset protection reflects a broader awareness of Thailand’s growing seismic risks, driven by denser urban environments, increasing high-rise construction, and the influence of climate change and shifting geological patterns.

At JLL, we integrate resilience into daily operations to prepare for future seismic events. We conduct annual emergency drills, schedule predictive maintenance, and use digital tools to monitor risks across portfolios. Where appropriate, we recommend adopting seismic sensors, post-quake elevator safety systems, and modern life safety technologies, even when these exceed regulatory requirements. We also emphasize updating emergency exit signage, reviewing evacuation plans, and reinforcing non-structural elements like suspended ceilings and piping to enhance safety. Phased upgrades across annual budgets help manage costs while achieving meaningful progress.

Strengthening building resilience does not always require significant capital investment. Owners can start with basic vulnerability assessments from licensed engineers. JLL supports stakeholders by conducting tiered risk assessments, translating technical findings into practical, cost-effective recommendations that minimize operational disruption. Many upgrades can be implemented without relocation or service downtime. Beyond physical improvements, we enhance readiness through updated documentation, refined evacuation plans, and alignment with regulatory standards.

Compliance with building codes and regulations provides a strong foundation for safety, with opportunities to enhance resilience. The Engineer Act B.E. 2542 requires licensed engineers to oversee the operation of large and high-rise buildings, providing an essential safeguard for safety and compliance. Ensuring that property management firms engaged in building engineering operation supervision are licensed by the Council of Engineers reinforces industry best practices and professional standards. Encouraging voluntary retrofits for older buildings and greater awareness of existing standards can further elevate safety practices.

The real estate industry would benefit from national frameworks to support post-earthquake assessments and standardized safety communication protocols. Regulations could promote technologies to prevent elevator entrapment or system failures during seismic events, particularly in high-rise buildings. Incentives like tax relief could encourage property owners to adopt upgrades, while integrating resilience into ESG and sustainability reporting would align safety with long-term investment value. Public-private partnerships could provide technical tools and guidance to small and mid-sized property owners.

The key lesson from our experience is that resilience is a strategic advantage, not an afterthought. Buildings that invest in resilience today will be better positioned to safeguard human life and protect long-term asset value when the next seismic event occurs. Proactive preparation is essential, and the time to act is now, before the next wake-up call.

^{Photo :  Chakrapan Pawangkarat, Co-Head of Property Management, JLL Thailand}

JLL's Property Management Service offers strategic management solutions for real estate assets worldwide, optimizing performance and enhancing value through tailored services. In Thailand, JLL is the largest international property and asset manager, with a dedicated team of more than 1,600 professionals and over 6.15 million square meters of managed space.