- Bangkok skyscraper collapses after earthquake, sparking corruption probe.
- Four Chinese nationals caught removing key documents.
- Investigations point to cost-cutting and poor materials.
A 30-storey government skyscraper under construction in Bangkok collapsed last week after an earthquake in Myanmar. However, while other buildings in the city remained undamaged, this one fell apart completely. This has raised serious questions about corruption, cost-cutting, and poor construction practices in Thailand.
As investigations began, Thai authorities arrested four Chinese nationals on Monday. They were caught trying to take documents from the disaster site. The police recovered 32 files, including blueprints and construction plans. One of the men claimed to be a project manager, while the others were subcontractors. They were charged with violating safety rules and released after questioning.
The building was part of Thailand’s State Audit Office project and was expected to be completed by 2026. Experts are now investigating whether the collapse was due to design flaws or poor construction work. Civil engineer Prof. Suchatchavee Suwansawas pointed out that other high-rise buildings survived the earthquake, raising doubts about the safety of this project.
Before the collapse, the project was already facing delays and concerns about corruption. The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand revealed that the government had even considered canceling it due to problems like worker shortages and stalled construction. In January, only 30% of the work had been completed, even though the project was running for three years.
One of the construction companies involved, China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Ltd, reported a major financial loss in 2023. Experts believe financial pressure may have led to cost-cutting, possibly by using substandard materials. Thailand’s Industry Minister has confirmed that materials from the site are being tested. In the past six months, authorities have already cracked down on several factories using low-quality steel imported from China.
The collapse has angered the public, with many demanding strict action against those responsible. Thailand’s Prime Minister has ordered a full investigation. The incident has also affected the stock market, with shares of one of the construction firms dropping by 30%. Investors are now worried about infrastructure projects involving Chinese companies.
Despite the ongoing investigations, the priority remains rescuing those trapped under the rubble. So far, 11 deaths have been confirmed, while 76 people are still missing. Experts say this disaster was not just caused by the earthquake but by serious failures in construction and safety measures.
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