An anti-corruption watchdog had flagged concerns about irregularities in the construction of a Bangkok skyscraper that collapsed during an earthquake last week, killing at least 11 people. The building, an unfinished 30-storey tower for Thailand’s State Audit Office, was the only structure in the capital to completely crumble following the 7.7-magnitude quake that struck central Myanmar on Friday.
Mana Nimitmongkol, president of the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand, stated that the project had faced scrutiny over delays, worker shortages, and possible construction shortcuts. Government officials had previously threatened to cancel the project due to significant delays, and an official investigation into the collapse has now been launched.
The tower, under construction since 2020, was being built by a joint venture between Italian-Thai Development PCL and China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Ltd., a subsidiary of China’s state-owned China Railway Group. Both companies have yet to comment on the incident.
Rescue teams were still searching on Monday for 76 people believed to be trapped under the rubble. Officials are examining whether sub-standard materials, including steel, may have contributed to the collapse. The Industry Ministry, which has been cracking down on low-quality steel production, is testing samples from the debris, with results expected soon.
Experts from the Council of Engineers Thailand have expressed concern over the structural integrity of the building, particularly as no other high-rise in Bangkok suffered similar damage. The collapse has prompted renewed scrutiny of construction safety standards in Thailand.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered an investigation to determine the root cause within a week. Meanwhile, China’s ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhinqiang, has pledged cooperation in the probe.
Stock markets reacted to the disaster, with shares of Italian-Thai Development PCL falling 30% when trading opened on Monday.
