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5 Common Acoustic Design Mistakes in Architecture — And How to Avoid Them

Common Acoustic Design Mistakes in Architecture — And How to Avoid Them
Common Acoustic Design Mistakes in Architecture — And How to Avoid Them

In today’s evolving Thai architecture scene, client expectations go beyond beauty and functionality. Acoustic comfort and noise control are fast becoming essential standards for high-quality buildings — whether it’s a luxury condo in Bangkok, a resort in Phuket, or a new hospital in Chiang Mai.

However, we still see beautifully designed buildings suffering from poor sound environments because acoustic planning was treated as a secondary issue. At Geonoise Thailand, we’ve seen how proactive noise and vibration planning from the start of a project can prevent problems before they arise. Here are five common mistakes Thai architects make when acoustics are not integrated early — and how to avoid them.

1. Choosing the Wrong Materials for Sound Control

Issue: Materials are often selected for thermal performance or aesthetics, but not for sound. For example, thin gypsum walls or unsealed glass panels may look modern but allow noise to pass through easily.

Solution: Understand the sound insulation ratings of materials, such as STC or RW values, and consult an acoustic expert to select the right components for the noise levels expected.

2. Ignoring Building Services Noise

Issue: Mechanical noise from air conditioning units, water pumps, elevators, or generators can severely disturb spaces that need quiet, like bedrooms, classrooms, or consultation rooms.

Solution: Plan M&E systems with acoustics in mind — use vibration isolation, strategic placement, and proper sound insulation from the design stage.

3. Poor Room Layout Without Acoustic Zoning

Issue: Quiet spaces (like meeting rooms or bedrooms) are sometimes located next to noisy zones (kitchens, trash rooms, lift lobbies) without proper separation.

Solution: Use acoustic zoning — place noisy and quiet areas strategically, with buffer zones or sound-rated partitions in between.

4. Underestimating Low-Frequency Noise

Issue: Bass-heavy sounds from music, rooftop machinery, or subwoofers can penetrate walls and travel far, disrupting even well-insulated rooms.

Solution: Use noise modeling tools and select high-mass materials or vibration-damping designs to control low-frequency sound.

5. Bringing in an Acoustic Expert Too Late

Issue: Consultants are often called in after construction or when residents complain — fixing issues at this stage is usually expensive and limited.

Solution: Engage an acoustic consultant during the conceptual or schematic design phase. Early involvement helps resolve potential problems while saving time and cost.

Conclusion

Acoustic comfort is no longer optional — it’s a new benchmark for quality buildings. If you prioritize sound early in your design process, you’ll add real value to your architecture and strengthen your professional reputation.

At Geonoise Thailand, we support architects with precision tools, ISO17025-compliant services, and real-world experience. We ensure every decibel is managed effectively.

Want expert support from the start of your project? 

 

Categories
Noise Disturbance Noise-th

After months of tolerating noisy Kuwaiti motorcycle groups, Pattaya takes firm action against them

Thailand’s Pattaya Pattaya police and local administrative officers have finally launched a coordinated operation to rein in rowdy foreign motorbike riders—many of whom have been identified as Kuwaiti nationals—who have been disturbing peace with their reckless driving and late-night revving after months of public frustration and sleepless nights in Soi Yensabai.

On July 15, at approximately 2:50 a.m., security division head Nathaphop Yomjinda from the Banglamung District Office and officers from Pattaya Police Station, under the command of Pol. Capt. Chaowalit Suwanmanee, established a checkpoint inside the soi. 14 motorcycles were seized by the joint patrol, which concentrated on riders without valid licenses and vehicles with illegally loud exhaust modifications.

Local residents say they have endured nightly chaos from foreign riders—especially big bikes operated by Arab tourists—who race up and down the narrow lanes, revving engines and disrupting entire neighborhoods. One resident commented that it seems like the riders think the area is their playground, making noise all night and then scattering and returning as soon as police leave.

Even when checkpoints are established, some groups use messaging apps to warn each other, often abandoning their bikes temporarily and walking around until the coast is clear. Locals are calling for stronger and more permanent enforcement to restore peace to the community.

On social media, irate residents have voiced their frustration over the ongoing issue and questioned why bike rental companies are permitted to distribute bikes without verifying licenses. Many people think that police should hold rental companies responsible and put repeat offenders on a blacklist if they are serious about solving the problem. Recently, while sitting outside, one resident reported seeing riders even driving on the sidewalk, with police simply passing by without intervening.

In order to use the Immigration Act to deport violators who pose a threat to public order, some have proposed involving immigration authorities. Others have questioned whether motorcycle rental companies—especially those that alter bikes or disregard safety inspections in order to increase profits during tourist seasons—are being held accountable.

In order to ensure that both renters and rental shops face consequences, authorities have promised more forceful action, indicating plans for wider coordination with immigration, tourist police, and local licensing offices. The public’s increasing demand for substantive solutions rather than sporadic nightly checkpoints is reflected in this operation.

One officer stated, “This is about defending the rights of local residents to sleep in peace, not about targeting foreigners.” “And we haven’t finished yet.”

 

On July 15, at approximately 2:50 a.m., security division head Nathaphop Yomjinda from the Banglamung District Office and officers from Pattaya Police Station, under the command of Pol. Capt. Chaowalit Suwanmanee, established a checkpoint inside the soi. 14 motorcycles were seized by the joint patrol, which concentrated on riders without valid licenses and vehicles with illegally loud exhaust modifications.

Local residents say they have endured nightly chaos from foreign riders—especially big bikes operated by Arab tourists—who race up and down the narrow lanes, revving engines and disrupting entire neighborhoods. One resident commented that it seems like the riders think the area is their playground, making noise all night and then scattering and returning as soon as police leave.

Even when checkpoints are established, some groups use messaging apps to warn each other, often abandoning their bikes temporarily and walking around until the coast is clear. Locals are calling for stronger and more permanent enforcement to restore peace to the community.

References

www.pattayamail.com

Categories
Asia Noise News Home Noise Disturbance

A Singaporean man is confused when his neighbor claims that his family is all asleep by 1am and accuses them of making loud noises

SINGAPORE: After his downstairs neighbor accused his family of making loud noises in the middle of the night, despite the fact that everyone in the house is asleep by then, a man took to social media to seek assistance.

He revealed in a post on Reddit’s Ask Singapore forum on Wednesday, July 9, that his mother has been harassed by her neighbor for weeks over inexplicable noises she hears between 1 and 3 in the morning.

But he clarified that it isn’t feasible because his family all goes to bed early because they all have to get up for work at five or six in the morning.

Her hearing our footsteps when we use the restroom while partially awake is the only plausible explanation. However, given that we are moving around the house all day, why does the noise only start between one and three in the morning?” he wrote.

He went on to say that the neighbor had just sent him a voice recording of the alleged noise, and to his amazement, he could actually hear knocking noises at night.

He claimed that there were actual knocking sounds. Now, she’s proposing to visit my house in the middle of the night to find out what’s making the noise! Although I think this is absurd, I can somewhat relate because the sounds were similar to “bom bom bom.”

He posed the question, seeking guidance from the online community: “What’s going on, and what can we do? Since we all work extremely early shifts (think 5–6 a.m. every day), I find it awkward that she is coming over, and I find it strange that a stranger would suggest it. I would appreciate any assistance! Thank you all!

“No need to accommodate her.”

Several users attempted to explain the possible source of the noise in the comments.

“That is the sound of the water pipes and rebar expanding and contracting in the concrete,” one person said.

“It might not be your unit,” said another commenter. Your neighbors or even the apartments above yours might be the culprits. A solid medium is used to carry sound. It’s not necessarily directly above just because it’s very loud. Encourage someone in your apartment to remain up until that point and determine if you can hear it as well.

Others, meanwhile, told the man that if he was uncomfortable with the neighbor, he should not let him into his house.

One said, “There’s no need to make room for her; she can lend you some recording equipment if she wants to and you’re willing.” Otherwise, as long as she doesn’t bother you, she is free to stand outside your house for as long as she likes. Most likely, it’s just plumbing.

“Is this neighbor a house inspector?” said another. Otherwise, they stay over and are unable to do much. Simply decline emphatically and refer them to HDB.

In other news, a local worker asked on Reddit if it is typical for entry-level positions or internships in Singapore to provide little to no training.

The man, who shared his experience on the r/askSingapore forum, claimed that he was expected to learn everything on his own and was given a heavy workload right away during his first week of work.

References

www.theindependent.sg

Categories
Noise-th

In Chonburi, a motorcycle noise dispute turns violent and results in shootings

In Chonburi, a motorcycle noise dispute turns violent and results in shootings
In Chonburi, a motorcycle noise dispute turns violent and results in shootings

One man was hospitalized with a gunshot wound after a violent altercation and shooting broke out in Chonburi over a disagreement over the loud noise of a revving motorbike.

Tensions between two groups erupted in Soi Malaithong, Na Pa subdistrict, in the Mueang district of Chonburi, following claims of deliberate provocation. It started when a man named Oat was testing out a customized motorcycle close to a store. Ter, the shop owner, became enraged when the bike’s high torque caused it to rev loudly and perform a wheelie. He thought Oat was trying to provoke him on purpose.

In retaliation, Ter and five other men visited Oat’s relative Hut’s house and demanded an explanation. The violent attack on Hut and Oat was caught on CCTV, with Ter breaking Hut’s head with a dustpan. Oat begged for a calm discussion, but the attackers persisted in their attack.

The situation allegedly worsened after Ter sent derogatory messages about Hut’s father, Jeab, following the attack. In retaliation, Jeab went to Ter’s shop with Hut and Oat to confront him. Ter allegedly pulled out a gun, chambered a round, and pointed it at Jeab during the ensuing argument. He struggled when Jeab tried to disarm him. Then, as Jeab was still struggling with him, Ter fired another warning shot into the air, striking Jeab. He had to be admitted to the hospital due to severe injuries sustained when the bullet went straight through his body.

Ms. Chulaporn, Jeab’s sister, has demanded justice, claiming that her nephew was merely testing the motorcycle and did not purposefully rev it. She described the argument as a miscommunication that had been exaggerated and refuted assertions that it was the result of an old-fashioned rivalry.

What would have happened if someone had died? Money couldn’t compensate for it. Concerned for her family’s safety, she stated, “I would demand the same in return if my brother had been killed.”

By examining CCTV footage and witness accounts, police are looking into the incident. In order to decide on suitable charges and stop additional violence, authorities are working. Jeab is still in the hospital getting better from his gunshot wound.

References

www.aseannow.com

Categories
Environment Noise Disturbance

There are ways to both preserve wildlife in the Everest region and not to disrupt high-end tourism

There are ways to both preserve wildlife in the Everest region and not to disrupt high-end tourism
There are ways to both preserve wildlife in the Everest region and not to disrupt high-end tourism

One of Nepal’s main tourist destinations, the Everest region, welcomes thousands of trekkers, mountaineers, and upscale (luxury) travelers each year. As popular as trekking and mountain climbing, helicopter sightseeing offers visitors who are prepared to shell out a lot of money to get a close-up look at the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest. The nation’s economy as a whole, local companies, hotels, and airlines all gain a great deal from these sightseeing excursions. However, the Sagarmatha National Park has made the decision to outright prohibit helicopter sightseeing tours in the area as of January 1, 2025. Stakeholders are engaged in a heated discussion as a result.

There is a darker side to this ostensibly profitable tourism practice. Although they help with tourism in the national park and its environs, helicopters are bad for the wild animals that live in the comparatively untouched parts of the park. During the busiest travel seasons, spring and fall, there are more than 6,000 helicopter flights in the Everest region, according to official data. These flights disturb the feeding and breeding habits of the wildlife and contribute to excessive noise pollution. The Himalayan Goral and Tahr are especially vulnerable to low-flying helicopters. The sudden, loud noises of the choppers are causing some animals to jump off the cliffs and die, according to park sources. Others are escaping their native areas and wandering into neighboring villages, where they cause problems for the local population.

Therefore, it makes sense that the park is concerned about wildlife. The rarest animals in the world, such as red pandas and snow leopards, can be found there. It is impossible to ignore the importance of protecting these creatures since it supports wildlife tourism and preserves biodiversity. Park officials claim that they took this action for additional reasons, such as the accidental landing of the helicopters and their suspicion that wildlife contraband was being transported. However, given that it will impact tourism in the area, the sudden and capricious way the ban was implemented is worrisome. The ban, which was imposed without consultation or consideration of other options, has drawn criticism from tour operators, helicopter companies, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the nation’s civil aviation regulator. Additionally, the CAAN has made it clear that the park lacks the legal authority to impose such a ban.

Nepal’s tourism industry is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The European Union’s extension of its ban on Nepali airlines has made matters worse. Business owners who have made tourism-related investments continue to lose a lot of money. High-end tourism offerings, such as helicopter sightseeing, could save the struggling industry at this point. Therefore, instead of placing blame on one another, the park and civil aviation authorities ought to look for areas of agreement and choose a more impartial strategy.

Establishing designated flight corridors away from conservation areas or sensitive wildlife habitats may be a workable way to reduce noise pollution, as experts have recommended. Monitoring efforts in the area should be stepped up, and the aviation watchdog should hold the operators responsible if the national park authority’s worries about illegal trafficking and unplanned landings are sincere. Our economy depends heavily on both wildlife and tourism, so a delicate balance between the two must be maintained. We think that they can coexist if a little more consideration is given.

References

asianews.network

Categories
Environment Noise Disturbance Noise Pollution

Religious authorities will examine complaints about loudspeaker noise at the mosque in KL

Religious authorities will examine complaints about loudspeaker noise at the mosque in KL
Religious authorities will examine complaints about loudspeaker noise at the mosque in KL

Dec. 8, Kuala Nerus — A mosque in the capital city has been accused of using loudspeakers at excessive volumes during religious lectures, allegedly disturbing the peace in the area. The complaints will be examined by the relevant religious authorities.

Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, the deputy minister in the prime minister’s department of religious affairs, said he was confident that the authorities could manage the situation and promised the ministry’s assistance if necessary.

“A suitable framework is in place, and the religious authorities have jurisdiction over this issue. We will deal with any problems as they come up,” he stated.

Anything that disturbs the peace is not what we want. Insha’Allah, we’ll manage this sensibly and make sure the community doesn’t experience any discomfort. He declared during the Madani Prihatin program, which included a group cleanup of Sekolah Rendah Islam Al-Amin today, that “investigations and reviews will be conducted.”

Zulkifli was reacting to a widely shared social media complaint regarding a Kuala Lumpur mosque that was allegedly making the locals uncomfortable by using loud speakers during religious lectures.

In order to preserve peace in the community, he also counseled all religious organizations to be aware of local sensitivities, including the effect of their operations.

Additionally, he emphasized that 14 religious affairs organizations, including the Skuad Musa’adah Al-Falah Madani, and about 10,000 registered volunteers from the Islamic Dakwah Foundation Malaysia (YADIM) have been mobilized to provide post-flood relief efforts across the country. — Bernama

References

www.malaymail.com

Categories
Environment Noise Disturbance Noise Pollution

Airports of Thailand (AoT) intends to compensate locals affected by noise pollution with 12 billion baht

Residents affected by noise pollution from Suvarnabhumi Airport’s third and newest runway will receive 12 billion baht in compensation from Airports of Thailand (AoT).

In response to residents’ inquiries regarding the compensation they sought for the noise caused by aircraft using the recently opened runway at the nation’s main airport, a number of agencies, including the AoT, the Transport Ministry, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, discussed the matter on Monday.

A decision was made regarding the most reasonable rate in accordance with the law, according to Kittiphon Ruayfuphan, deputy spokesman for the Transport Ministry.

Residents who are impacted by noise belong to various categories. Residents whose land ownership is problematic, those who are legally entitled to compensation, and those who are technically ineligible for any kind of financial assistance are all included.

According to Mr. Kittiphon, residents who meet the payout requirements will get their money when the rate is decided.


Assistance will be provided to those with troublesome land ownership in order to get their paperwork in order and be eligible to get their compensation.


According to Mr. Kittiphon, those who reside near the third runway but do not own the residential property they occupy may be eligible for compensation once the Pollution Control Department performs an assessment and verifies that they are indeed impacted by the noise pollution.

According to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) council chairman Surajit Phongsingwitthaya, locals complained to the BMA about the noise problem.

The BMA requested updates from the Transport Ministry and the AoT regarding the problem’s resolution after the complaints were filed.

For residents who haven’t applied for compensation yet, the BMA is serving as a middleman to provide information on how to do so.

Mr. Surajit stated that the authorities were reviewing the petitions more quickly, even though they need to be thoroughly screened for fairness.

The council chairman anticipates that residents will be able to access the first round of compensation early in the following year.

On the western side of Suvarnabhumi Airport, the third runway was constructed parallel to the first runway and measures four kilometers in length and sixty meters in width. It can now handle 94 planes per hour, up from the previous 68, and will mostly be used for planes landing at the airport.

References

www.bangkokpost.com

Categories
Asia Noise News Home Noise Disturbance

A man claims that for the past four months, his rude neighbor has been making a lot of noise in the morning and evening by hammering and drilling

A man claims that for the past four months, his rude neighbor has been making a lot of noise in the morning and evening by hammering and drilling

SINGAPORE: After four months of extremely loud noise from his careless neighbor, a man vented on social media.

The man detailed his experience in a post on Reddit’s Ask Singapore forum, stating that he has been regularly awakened by loud hammering sounds emanating from his ceiling at approximately 6 to 7 a.m.

Additionally, he stated that this sporadic sound can last for approximately 30 minutes, occasionally lasting into the afternoon or even as late as 10 p.m., and it happens every 1 to 2 minutes.

He added that the neighbor who lives above him regularly uses large equipment that “resembles a drill, though it may also be a saw or similar equipment” in addition to the hammering.

He wrote, “He usually waits until 10 a.m. before beginning to drill, but on weekends he may begin at 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. or operate it in 1-second bursts at 6-7 a.m.”

He has also attempted to resolve the matter by leaving several notes expressing his concerns at his neighbor’s door at around six in the morning, but to no avail.

He wakes me up all the time. He said, “I left another angry note at their door, and this person started hammering at 5 a.m. today, to the point where I have multiple nightmares.”

References

https://theindependent.sg

Categories
Asia Noise News Home Noise Disturbance

A man who moved into an apartment next to Bukit Merah claims that he is a neighbor from hell and that he can only sleep in the living room

A man who moved into an apartment next to Bukit Merah claims that he is a neighbor from hell and that he can only sleep in the living room
A man who moved into an apartment next to Bukit Merah claims that he is a neighbor from hell and that he can only sleep in the living room

When a man realized he was living next to a “neighbor from hell,” his excitement about moving into a new house was dampened.

According to Shin Min Daily News, 55-year-old Lin has called the police four times in less than six months because he can’t stand the loud music coming into his Bukit Merah apartment.

She frequently turns up the volume on the radio, and I can hear the music coming from my bedroom. The salesperson stated that the music occasionally lasted from the evening until the following afternoon.

“Apart from the music, she often slams the door in the middle of the night, and the ‘bang’ sound would jolt me from sleep.”

Lin provided voice recordings and videos that show loud music playing all night long.

The woman’s apartment is directly next to Lin’s bedroom, so the noise from her house has been disturbing his sleep.

“Over the past few weeks, the situation has gotten worse, even though I purchased headphones to help block out some of the noise. Now I’m limited to sleeping in the living room,” he remarked.

Lin clarified that the prior homeowner had not brought up the noise disturbance issue, so he was ignorant of it.

They admitted to selling the apartment due to the female neighbor when he got in touch with them again.

“She told me the wall is too thin and the problem is not her fault, even though all I asked was that she turn down the volume.

Later on, she even cursed at me. I hope she can control her music consumption, but I’m not stopping her,” Lin remarked.

“I’m not sure if I can handle this any longer. There are times when I would rather work than stay home.

Although he has considered selling the apartment, Lin stated that he only moved in less than a year ago and is concerned that the noise disturbance will affect the next tenant as well.

The neighbor in question refused to comment when Shin Min approached him.

The woman was once referred to as Punggol’s “neighbour from hell” and reportedly forced six families to relocate in just two years, according to Bukit Merah residents.

According to The Straits Times in 2019, these families accused the woman of stomping on the floor, playing loud music, splashing oil at their doors, and even leaving a bloody pig’s ear on a shoe rack.

However, she had denied all accusations towards her in a follow-up interview with Lianhe Wanbao, and claimed the circulated videos of her were edited.

The woman subsequently moved to Bukit Merah in 2020, where she purportedly continued harassing residents there by playing loud music.

References

https://www.asiaone.com/

Categories
Environment Home Noise-th

Dust and noise disturbance from a luxurious condo in Pattaya

Dust and noise disturbance from a luxurious condo in Pattaya
Dust and noise disturbance from a luxurious condo in Pattaya

The construction of a luxurious condominium in the Taphra Ya 9-15 area of Pattaya, which will rise more than 60 stories, has alarmed locals and rental operators.

Residents have been inconvenienced by the dust and noise from the construction site for more than two years, but local authorities have not offered any support.

52-year-old Taphra Ya 9 business owner Chalida voiced her annoyance, saying the construction has resulted in constant noise and dust problems. She said that because of the intolerable noise levels, which can occasionally last until midnight, many residents are slowly leaving.

Chalida gave reporters video footage showing the detrimental effects of the noise and dust from the construction site, as well as her unsuccessful attempts to lodge complaints with the Pattaya City Council and other authorities.

 

Those living on the seventh floor, which has been completely evacuated because of the noise and dust from the cement pouring on the nearby streets, are in an especially bad situation.

 

The extent of the issue was demonstrated by the thick dust layers that reporters saw on windows and floors, as well as the cracks in the surrounding buildings.

Additionally, the widespread dust has caused respiratory problems for housekeepers and employees, requiring the constant use of face masks. No agency has intervened to address these health issues in spite of their difficulties.

 

Chonburi MP Yodchai Phungporn recently paid a visit to the location to hear the complaints of locals and business owners.

 

According to Siam Rath, he intends to bring their grievances about the dust and noise to the Land and Environment Committee of the House of Representatives for additional action.

References

https://aseannow.com

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