Bangkok to be declared earthquake risk zone

Thailand is drafting regulations to declare Bangkok an earthquake-prone zone after the capital felt the effects of a recent 8.4-magnitude quake in Indonesia. As Bangkok's soil is soft, it generates more tremors.

The new law would require all new tall buildings in Bangkok and surrounding provinces to be quake-proof. They are studying the risks posed to the capital by three fault lines within a 100km radius of Bangkok. It has been drafted by the interior ministry and is currently being reviewed by Thailand's top legal experts.

Ten of Thailand's 76 provinces are currently listed as earthquake-risk zones, mostly in the northwest. The proposed law would add 12 central and southern provinces to the list.

In May, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck western Laos near the border with Thailand, sending people fleeing into the streets after high-rise buildings rocked and swayed in Bangkok.