Ministry tightens billboard inspections for public safety

The Ministry of Interior intensified the inspection of large billboards over concerns about their structural safety. Damaged billboards must be promptly repaired, and non-compliance will result in immediate removal and legal action.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul emphasised that public safety is the top priority, highlighting the importance of rigorous enforcement to prevent any potential hazards caused by unsafe billboard structures.

The Secretary to the Minister of Interior and spokesperson for the ministry, Traisulee Traisoranakul, stated that besides preparing for flood prevention and mitigation during the rainy season, the ministry is stringently enforcing safety measures to prevent accidents.

This directive comes from Anutin, who has instructed all relevant agencies to strictly enforce laws, prioritising the safety of people’s lives and property.

The Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning has increased its scrutiny of large billboards, especially those whose structures might pose a danger or cause accidents during strong winds.

These inspections target billboards that either violate construction laws or are old and unstable. Nationwide, 12,347 large billboards require permits, and 3,600 of these need to be inspected every three years to receive a certification known as R.1.

No certifications

However, only about 2,400 billboards have been inspected so far, leaving over 1,000 without renewed or valid certifications.

The director-general of the department instructed provincial officers to inform their respective governors to ensure compliance, warning that legal actions will be taken against violators.

Traisulee further mentioned that the Ministry of Interior is currently overseeing the approval and compliance processes for large billboards, ensuring they adhere to the ministerial regulations on the control of billboards or structures for displaying signs, as stipulated under the Building Control Act of 2015.

If any billboard construction does not comply with the law, orders will be issued to halt construction, prohibit the use of the billboard, and require permits or necessary modifications.

In cases where billboards are old and potentially unsafe, they must be repaired within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply with these orders will lead to the issuance of removal orders and legal actions against the responsible parties, whether they are the billboard owners or the occupants, reported Khaosod.

This initiative underscores the ministry’s commitment to ensuring public safety through diligent monitoring and strict adherence to legal standards.

With the rainy season approaching, the ministry’s proactive measures aim to mitigate any risks associated with the structural integrity of large billboards.

This initiative serves as a reminder to billboard owners and operators to maintain the structural safety and legality of their installations. Non-compliance will not be tolerated, as the ministry continues to prioritise the well-being and safety of the public.