bangkok March 31, 2025

Bangkok Building Collapse Sparks Corruption Investigation

Preliminary investigations reveal substandard materials and potential corruption contributed to the building’s collapse, raising serious safety concerns.

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A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, sending tremors through neighboring countries. The quake tragically claimed lives and caused widespread destruction. While much of Bangkok withstood the seismic waves, a 30-story skyscraper under construction for Thailand’s State Audit Office completely crumbled, killing at least 11 people and leaving 76 more feared trapped. This disaster sparked a national investigation and raised serious questions about construction practices and potential corruption. Bangkok Post.

The collapse shocked many, as the unfinished tower was the only building in Bangkok to completely collapse. This stark contrast amplified concerns about the construction process’s integrity. The building, a joint venture between Italian Thai Development PCL (ITD) and China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Ltd. (a subsidiary of China’s state-owned China Railway Group), was slated for completion in 2026 but was significantly behind schedule. Deputy Auditor General Sutthipong Boonnithi stated that the structure was only 30% complete at the time of the disaster.

Adding to the unease, Mana Nimitmongkol, president of the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand, revealed that his organization had previously flagged irregularities in the tower’s construction. Site visits revealed concerns including worker shortages, delays, and potential cost-cutting measures. These delays were so significant that the audit office threatened to cancel the contract with the two construction companies in January 2025.

The ongoing investigation, ordered by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is scrutinizing the building plans, the quality of materials used, and potential unsafe construction practices. Industry Minister Akanat Promphan expressed particular concern about the possibility of substandard steel in the building’s framework. Samples collected from the rubble are being tested; results are expected soon.

“It is strange that no other buildings suffered like this,” Anek Siripanichgorn, a board member of the Council of Engineers Thailand, told Reuters. “Even other tall buildings under construction did not collapse.”

The focus on substandard steel follows a government crackdown on companies producing such materials. In the past six months, seven factories have been shut down, and assets worth 360 million baht have been seized. Minister Promphan cited outdated production processes and equipment relocated from China as contributing factors to the substandard steel issue.

Key Developments:

An unfinished 30-story building in Bangkok collapsed during the earthquake.
The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand previously flagged concerns about the project.
The government is investigating the potential use of substandard steel.
The building was significantly behind schedule and only 30% complete.

This disaster echoes similar building collapses worldwide, often linked to substandard materials, inadequate construction practices, or corruption. The 2013 Rana Plaza garment factory collapse in Bangladesh, which claimed over 1,100 lives, serves as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of neglecting building safety. The ongoing Bangkok investigation will be crucial in determining the precise causes of this tragedy and preventing similar incidents.

The collapse has significant implications for Thailand’s construction industry and its relationship with foreign contractors. Public trust has been eroded, and the government faces pressure to strengthen building regulations and oversight. The economic fallout, including a 30% drop in ITD’s share price, underscores the disaster’s far-reaching consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Was the earthquake the sole reason for the collapse?

While the earthquake undoubtedly triggered the collapse, the investigation focuses on whether pre-existing issues, such as substandard materials or poor construction practices, contributed significantly.