Nonthaburi building evacuated after structural column failure

A three-story commercial building complex in Nonthaburi, Thailand, has been evacuated following reports of structural failure. The incident occurred at a five-unit building located between Soi Rewadee 19 and Soi Rewadee 21, where a corner column cracked severely, exposing twisted reinforcement steel.

Preliminary investigations by experts from the Thai Structural Engineers Association suggest the damage was caused by uneven foundation settlement. The inner units reportedly settled more than the outer sections, creating shear forces that compromised the corner column.

Nonthaburi Municipality officials have cordoned off the area and prohibited entry to the building to prevent injury. Engineers have implemented emergency measures, including the installation of temporary steel pipe supports and screw jacks to stabilize the damaged column. Continuous monitoring using surveying equipment will be required to track any further movement before permanent repairs or column replacements can be undertaken.