From Response to Preparedness: Designating Assembly Points and Shelters for Earthquake Disasters in Bangkok through Lessons from the 2025 Mandalay Earthquake

Abstract

The 2025 Mandalay Earthquake produced significant impacts on the Bangkok metropolitan area, Thailand, exposing critical gaps in the city's disaster management system. The deficiencies were identified in the designation of assembly points within a densely populated urban environment. The assembly point designations have rarely been actively utilized, limiting emergency decision-making. Addressing these gaps, this study focuses on examining the designation of appropriate areas for public evacuation from selected countries. A comparative analysis is conducted, as definitions vary across the standards, to establish a framework for appropriate area classification. The selected case studies were reviewed and evaluated against the actual decisions in the Bangkok context, leading to practical recommendations for aligning regulatory requirements. Based on the review, an assembly point serves as the initial gathering location following evacuation. The duration of occupancy is therefore a critical factor in informing facility design, such as an overnight stay in a Bangkok public park. Thus, the supporting facilities were provided within the parks, reflecting the broader principle that an emergency ad-hoc shelter can be established in any designated area. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of earthquake preparedness by highlighting the institutional gaps between existing frameworks and operational readiness.