A 33-story skyscraper under construction in Bangkok collapsed after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, sending tremors across Thailand. However, what puzzled experts is that no other high-rise in Bangkok suffered such damage. Now, an investigation has revealed possible issues linked to a Chinese construction firm involved in the project.
The collapsed skyscraper was being built by Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD) in partnership with China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Ltd, a subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned China Railway Number 10 Engineering Group. The Chinese firm held a 49% stake in the project.
Authorities are now examining whether construction shortcuts, substandard materials, or the financial instability of the company played a role in the disaster. Reports show that China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Ltd faced a financial loss of 199.66 million baht in 2023, raising concerns about its operational stability.
An anti-corruption watchdog had earlier raised red flags about irregularities in the construction process, including:
- Possible delays due to worker shortages
- Cost-cutting measures affecting quality
- Use of lower-grade materials
These warnings were ignored, and the building failed under the earthquake stress, while other nearby structures remained standing.
The Thai government has launched a high-level investigation to determine whether construction failures contributed to the collapse. Experts will review:
✅ The materials used in the building
✅ Structural design and compliance with safety codes
✅ The involvement of Chinese firms in Thai construction projects
The investigation committee is expected to submit its findings within seven days. Meanwhile, authorities are also reviewing the earthquake safety of other high-rise buildings in Bangkok.
This collapse raises serious concerns about foreign construction partnerships and safety standards in Thailand. If the investigation confirms poor-quality construction, it could lead to stricter regulations for future projects involving foreign companies.
