New study shows fault lines under Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has felt a handful of earthquakes over the last couple of years, and a new study by Chiang Mai’s Earth Science Institute confirm that there are in fact fault lines under the northern Thai city. Researchers discovered two fault lines running roughly 5 kilometres underground running through the districts of Chiang Khon, Mae Ai, Chiang Saen, Hang Dong, Sansai and Fang; even stretching as far west as mae Hong Son Province.

Director of the Earth Science Institute Professor Samphan Singharajwarapan confirmed that while mild tremors in the area are common enough, a sizeable quake could put buildings in the area over 15 storeys at risk of collapse. The last quake to be flet in the city was a result of shifting earth beneath Sansai’s Maejo University which registered 4.6 on the Richter scale.

As a result of the study, local authorities are urging buildings under construction and those in the planning stages that if they plan to build high, no corners should be cut on fortifications against earthquakes.