Bangkok has marked one year since the earthquake with a renewed focus on disaster management, combining structural safety with the restoration of public confidence. Associate Professor Tawida Kamolvech(รศ.ทวดา กมลเวชช), Deputy Governor of Bangkok, delivered a special lecture on Damage and Need Assessment (DANA) at an academic conference titled “One Year After the Earthquake –Lessons and the Future of Safety in Thailand,” organized by Chulalongkorn University and the Engineering Institute of Thailand. She emphasized that the impacts of disasters extend beyond physical damage, requiring integrated responses across social and psychological dimensions.

In the early recovery phase, the priority was restoring a sense of normalcy rather than focusing solely on infrastructure repairs. Authorities clearly communicated with residents about minor building cracks to reduce panic and encourage safe reoccupation. At the same time, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, deployed mental health support teams, including MCATT units, to assist affected communities. Temporary shelters were also arranged, with support from Airbnb, which provided over 8,500 nights of accommodation for displaced families, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.

Technology has played a key role in managing the crisis and easing public concerns. The city utilized Traffy Fondue as a primary reporting tool, receiving over 27,000 reports of structural cracks. Data-driven compensation criteria were developed based on damage levels assessed by engineers. Looking ahead, Bangkok is strengthening its disaster preparedness through an integrated Command Center and expanding the installation of seismic sensors in public hospitals. Pilot early warning systems have also been introduced in selected schools to enhance awareness and resilience among the younger generation.