Thailand’s Consumer Protection Board (CPB) launched its building safety programme today, urging the public to call its hotline on risk, damage or possible accidents from buildings. CPB secretary general Jirachai Moolthongroei said the number of high-rise buildings has mushroomed, especially in Bangkok where more than 3 million buildings, about 3,000 of which are high rises or big projects, are located. Fires erupted at more than 180 tall buildings last year, but the city’s fire-fighting trucks are capable of handling a maximum of 10 storeys. Some buildings are accessible only by narrow lanes, according to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department. The agency signed a memorandum of understanding with the Safety First Association and the Building Safety Inspectors and Officers Association to protect consumers by using the CPB hotline 1166. From mcot