In brief
As recovery efforts continue from the earthquake affecting Myanmar and Thailand, investigations reveal poor construction practices by a Chinese developer leading to the collapse of the only high-rise building in Bangkok.
In the aftermath of the earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday and was felt in Thailand, attention has turned to the fatal collapse of a single building in Bangkok. Reports indicate that at least 15 individuals have lost their lives, with many others still unaccounted for. Recovery efforts are ongoing, as authorities work to determine what went wrong with the structure.Preliminary investigations and interviews with workers shed light on the potential deficiencies in construction practices undertaken by the China Railway 10th Engineering Group, a state-owned Chinese firm responsible for the building’s development. Evidence has emerged pointing to the use of substandard materials and inadequate construction techniques aimed at cost-cutting.Workers disclosed to news outlets that the project involved underpaid subcontractors who compromised on material quality, using narrower structural columns than standard specifications. Additionally, testing of the steel debris from the wreckage revealed substandard steel rebars produced by a Thai factory owned by Chinese interests—this factory had been shut down just months prior by local officials.With a significant presence across various infrastructure projects in Thailand, China Railway 10th Engineering Group has faced scrutiny for safety protocols and practices in the past. Following the tragic events, investigators have raised concerns that company contractors attempted to remove critical documentation from the site, potentially hindering the investigation’s progress.As the situation develops, officials stress the importance of accountability and adherence to safety standards in construction, given the tragic loss of life and the need for thorough investigations into such failures.
