How Can Thai Businesses Cope with Damage from Various Disasters? Real Estate Risks to Watch in 2026

The year 2026 marks another pivotal year for the Thai business sector, particularly the real estate, factory, and warehouse industries, as they must prepare to address the increasing risks posed by severe and frequent disasters, including floods, fires, and even earthquakes. The concern extends beyond mere business disruptions to the significant damage that can be inflicted on buildings, machinery, and assets. If mishandled, such disasters could result in massive sunk costs, representing unnecessary and irrecoverable losses.

3 Disasters to Watch for in Thai Real Estate in 2026

1.    Flood

 The impacts of climate change have altered rainfall patterns, leading to sudden flooding. In areas that have never flooded before, especially industrial estates and economic zones, damage often begins with machinery, electrical systems beneath the floor, and building structures. If left unattended for a long time, moisture and mold will spread, making repairs difficult. In many cases, businesses need to rely on flood cleanup companies and specialized flood damage restoration services to stop the damage from escalating.

2.     Fire

 The risk posed by old buildings with deteriorated electrical wiring systems, combined with the use of EV batteries in the logistics sector, makes fires more complex and difficult to extinguish. Equally dangerous as the flames themselves are soot, smoke, and water from fire suppression, which can cause long-term damage to electronic equipment and structural components. Therefore, it is essential to rely on professional fire restoration companies or post-fire cleaning services that understand the proper methods for handling soot and residual contaminants.

 3. Earthquake

 Although Thailand is not a country prone to frequent earthquakes, fault lines in the northern and western regions have caused earthquakes in the country before. Even high-rise buildings in Bangkok have suffered damage from earthquakes, making it a risk that cannot be overlooked. Small cracks or broken pipes inside buildings may become major problems later if not thoroughly inspected.

How to Handle Physical Damage When an Incident Occurs (Damage Control)

 In case of flooding:

The problem is not just water, but moisture and mold. It is crucial to promptly extract the water, use a dehumidifier, and clean properly. Professional flood damage restoration services can help prevent rust and deterioration of machinery.

 Fire and Soot: Dealing with Fire & Soot

Smoke residue is acidic and can corrode circuit boards within 24-48 hours. Do not turn on air conditioning or ventilation systems, as this will spread the residue further. It is recommended to use professional cleaning services after a fire, specifically those with corrosion control procedures.

 Earthquake Case (Dealing with Structural Damage):

The problem is “invisible cracks” and “damaged infrastructure.” A thorough inspection of the building’s structural integrity, including the plumbing, gas, and electrical systems, is necessary to prevent complications such as fires or water leaks.

 A New Option for Recovery: Why “Restoration” is Better Than Buying New?

Many businesses, when faced with unexpected events, often think that if something breaks, it must be torn down and replaced. However, in reality, disaster recovery services are a much more cost-effective option in many cases.

Reducing Risk and Avoiding Unnecessary Costs

The demolition of a building or the replacement of all machinery involves more than just the cost of the materials. It also includes labor costs, transportation fees, lost business opportunities due to downtime, and numerous hidden expenses. On the other hand, restoration by experts can reduce costs by approximately 30-70% because it only repairs the damaged parts and includes thorough cleaning to extend the lifespan of the existing assets.

 Quickly reopen your business and minimize downtime

Ordering new machinery or equipment today may require waiting several months for production and delivery, especially for specialized machinery. However, restoration work can begin immediately after on-site assessment, significantly reducing downtime. In the business world, lost time equals lost revenue.

Protecting Critical Assets Beyond What Money Can Replace

For IT equipment, servers, or automation control systems, damage doesn’t stop at the hardware but also includes the “data” accumulated over time. Proper restoration can recover data from hard drives or control systems in many cases, which is something that purchasing new equipment cannot replace.

Common Misconceptions About Property Damage

 Flooded = Have to throw everything away

This misconception causes many businesses to unnecessarily lose assets. In reality, many machines and equipment can be recovered if they are promptly cleaned, water is extracted, moisture is removed, and rust is controlled properly. The sooner action is taken, the higher the chance of restoration.

A Fresh Coat of Paint Won’t Fix Fire Damage

Although the fire did not spread extensively, smoke, burnt odors, and toxic substances remain in the walls, ceiling, and air conditioning system. Painting over these without proper decontamination will cause the odors to return in the long term and may affect employees’ health without their knowledge.

 Restore your property to its pre-loss condition with technology from BELFOR Thailand.

When disaster strikes, the most important thing is not to make hasty decisions. Instead, contact a specialist like BELFOR Thailand, which offers comprehensive restoration services. These services range from on-site assessment and industrial cleaning to machinery and building restoration.

•  Fire Damage Restoration Services: Soot, Odor, and Corrosion Management
•  Flood Damage Restoration Services: Water Extraction, Moisture Control, and Mold Prevention
•  Disaster damage restoration services for structural, machinery, and internal building systems.
  

If your business is facing unexpected challenges, consulting with experts from the outset may help you save more money, time, and resources than you might expect.