On March 28, 2025, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The tremors were felt across neighboring countries, including Thailand, where a significant structural failure occurred in Bangkok. A 30-story building under construction, intended to house the State Audit Office, collapsed, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and numerous injuries.
The building was a joint project between Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD) and China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Ltd., a subsidiary of the state-owned China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC). The collapse of this particular structure, while other buildings in Bangkok remained intact, has raised concerns about the construction’s integrity and the materials used.
In response to the incident, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the collapse. The Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning (DPT) has been tasked with examining the building’s design, approval process, and construction practices. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to understand why this building failed when others did not, highlighting the importance of accountability in such projects.
Preliminary findings have pointed to the use of substandard steel in the construction. Samples collected from the site failed tests conducted by the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand, revealing deficiencies in mass, chemical composition, and stress resistance. The steel was traced back to Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co., a Chinese-owned factory in Rayong province, which had been shut down in December due to safety violations, including a gas tank leak.
The involvement of China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Ltd. has come under scrutiny, especially given its 49% stake in the project. The Department of Special Investigation is set to examine whether the company used Thai nominees as proxy shareholders, raising questions about compliance with local regulations. Bangkok Post
This incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of construction standards and safety protocols in Thailand. The dramatic collapse of the building, which was about 45% complete, has led to public outcry and demands for stricter oversight in the construction industry. An anti-corruption watchdog had previously raised concerns about the project, underscoring the need for transparency and adherence to safety standards.
The earthquake’s impact was not limited to structural damage. In Thailand, at least 20 people lost their lives, with the majority being workers on the collapsed building site. Rescue operations have been challenging, with hopes fading for the approximately 70 individuals still trapped under the rubble.
In Myanmar, the situation is even more dire. The earthquake resulted in over 2,700 confirmed deaths, with fears that the toll could rise above 10,000. Cities near the epicenter, such as Sagaing and Mandalay, have been severely affected, with residents facing shortages of electricity, water, and food. The ongoing civil war in Myanmar has further complicated rescue and relief efforts, highlighting the multifaceted challenges faced by the affected populations. WSJPeople.com+3El País+3Bangkok Post+3
The collapse of the Bangkok building serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of stringent construction standards and regulatory oversight, especially in regions prone to natural disasters. As investigations continue, it is imperative that lessons are learned to prevent such tragedies in the future and to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
