Thailand Earthquake: Chinese-Built Projects Face Safety Scrutiny
Earthquake Raises Concerns Over Chinese-Built Projects in Southern Thailand
A recent earthquake in Myanmar has sparked concerns about the structural integrity of several buildings under construction in southern Thailand, all overseen by a Chinese company with a project history marked by delays and a recent catastrophic building collapse. The scrutiny intensifies as China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) Co. is involved in multiple projects in the region, raising questions about construction standards and oversight. This situation mirrors global concerns about the rapid expansion of Chinese construction firms overseas and the potential risks associated with ambitious infrastructure development.
The most pressing concern revolves around a nine-story building under construction at Songkhla Hospital in Muang district. This 426.9-million-baht project, intended to house outpatient and accident services, is being built by the AKC consortium, comprising Akarakorn Development Co (51%) and China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) Co (49%). The same Chinese firm was responsible for the construction of the 30-story State Audit Office building that tragically collapsed during last Friday’s earthquake, as reported by the Bangkok Post https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2993627/hospital-building-airport-terminal-also-being-built-by-discredited-chinese-company.
Following the earthquake, Songkhla Hospital director Ratanapol Lorprasertkul and public works engineers inspected the partially completed structure. While project manager Supachoke Phakdee confirmed that the building remained intact despite feeling vibrations during the tremor, work was temporarily halted as a precaution against potential aftershocks. Dr. Ratanapol reassured the public, stating:
“The quality of construction materials is under strict control and the building was designed to withstand earthquakes. Engineers and officials from appropriate agencies are supervising it closely to ensure it meets all standards.”
However, the incident has undeniably cast a shadow of doubt, particularly given the hospital building’s delayed completion, initially slated for mid-2025 but pushed back due to severe flooding late last year.
This is not an isolated incident. China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) Co. is also involved in the construction of a new terminal at Narathiwat provincial airport, a project plagued by significant delays. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri revealed that the 639.89-million-baht terminal is significantly behind schedule, with only 39.24% completion as of last month. The project, originally due for completion in January 2025, has also been hampered by flooding. The Department of Airports is now closely monitoring the project to assess the contractor’s ability to deliver.
The situation in southern Thailand echoes similar challenges seen in other countries grappling with rapid infrastructure development, often fueled by foreign investment. Concerns about quality control, adherence to safety standards, and the capacity of local oversight mechanisms to effectively manage large-scale projects are recurring themes. The potential consequences of inadequate oversight include not only structural failures but also economic losses and damage to public trust.
What are the implications of these delays and safety concerns? The delays in these crucial infrastructure projects will likely have a ripple effect on the local economy and the delivery of essential services. The safety concerns, exacerbated by the recent earthquake, could also lead to increased scrutiny of Chinese construction projects in the region and potentially impact future foreign investment.
What steps are being taken to ensure the safety of these buildings? Authorities claim rigorous inspections and adherence to building codes are being enforced. However, the collapse of the State Audit Office building raises serious questions about the effectiveness of these measures. Further investigations and independent audits are likely necessary to restore public confidence.
The ongoing situation underscores the critical need for robust oversight and transparent accountability in large-scale infrastructure projects. The events in southern Thailand serve as a stark reminder that prioritizing speed and cost-effectiveness should never come at the expense of safety and quality. The long-term consequences of neglecting these fundamental principles can be devastating, both literally and figuratively. Moving forward, a renewed focus on stringent quality control, independent audits, and robust regulatory frameworks is crucial to ensuring the safety and sustainability of infrastructure development, both in Thailand and globally.
