Thai Auditor General's Office Building Collapse Sparks Safety Concerns
On March 28, 2025, a devastating earthquake struck Myanmar, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The earthquake, which measured 7.7 on the Richter scale, also had a significant impact on neighboring countries, including Thailand. In Bangkok, a 30-story building under construction collapsed, resulting in at least 3 deaths and 81 people trapped under the rubble. The building, which was intended to serve as the new office of the Thai Auditor General, was constructed by China Railway Group's subsidiary, China Railway No. 10 Bureau Group Co., Ltd.
29 March 2025
The project, valued at approximately 21.36 billion Thai baht (around $4.6 billion CNY), was a joint venture between China's state-owned China Railway 10th Bureau Group Corporation and Italian-Thai Development Company (ITD), a leading construction company in Thailand. The building's design featured a unique "core tube + flat slab" structure, which, according to experts, may have contributed to its instability and collapse. The construction company had utilized advanced construction technologies such as sliding mold construction, lifting mold installation, and automatic climbing scaffolding, and a technical team was established to research and address key technical issues, aiming to ensure the building's safety and quality.
The incident has raised questions about the safety and quality of construction projects in Thailand, as well as the role of Chinese companies in the country's infrastructure development. As the rescue efforts continue, investigators are working to determine the cause of the collapse. The building's design and construction have been called into question, with some experts suggesting that the structure may not have been designed to withstand earthquakes of this magnitude. The incident has also highlighted concerns about the financial stability of ITD, which has been facing a liquidity crisis due to a lack of major projects, rising interest rates, and significant debt obligations.
Following the collapse, China Railway No. 10 Bureau Group Co., Ltd. quickly deleted related reports and news from their official website and social media channels, sparking controversy and skepticism among netizens, who are questioning the company's accountability and the quality of their construction work. The company's handling of the situation has faced criticism, and it remains to be seen what consequences they will face and what steps will be taken to prevent similar disasters in the future.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, sparking widespread concern and debate about building safety, construction standards, and the need for more stringent regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future. As the people of Thailand and the region come to terms with the aftermath of this disaster, a thorough investigation and examination of the causes are crucial to preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future. The collapse of the Thai Audit Office building raises significant concerns about the safety and quality of construction projects involving Chinese companies and highlights the need for stricter regulations to prevent such disasters.
In conclusion, the collapse of the Thai Audit Office building has raised significant concerns about the building's structural integrity and the contractor's responsibility. The incident highlights the importance of prioritizing safety, quality, and transparency in construction projects, particularly those involving public buildings and critical infrastructure. As the investigation into the cause of the collapse is underway, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the reputation of Chinese construction companies operating overseas and the future of the Thai Audit Office project.
