Thailand Investigates Collapse of 30-Story Building After Earthquake, Chinese Workers Questioned Over Removed Documents

On March 30, Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the formation of a special committee to investigate the collapse of a newly constructed 30-story building in Bangkok, which occurred during a powerful earthquake that hit the region. The investigation is expected to conclude within seven days.

Government Launches Urgent Investigation into Building Collapse

According to Minister Anutin, the committee includes experienced engineers from the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, along with other trusted experts.

“Thailand will quickly find out why the building collapsed. It was newly constructed and should have been designed to withstand earthquakes,” Anutin stated.

The building was intended to become the new headquarters of the Office of the Auditor General in Chatuchak district. The state agency had contracted a joint venture between Italian-Thai Development PLC and China Railway No.10 Engineering Group to construct the project, valued at 2.1 billion baht (approx. 62,000 USD).

Chinese Experts and Nationals Involved in Ongoing Investigation

On the same day, Chinese Ambassador to Bangkok Han Zhiqiang brought an earthquake and tunnel specialist from China’s Ministry of Emergency Management to meet with Anutin. After inspecting the site, Anutin confirmed that while the Chinese expert was allowed to observe the scene, Chinese contractors were not permitted entry.

“The earthquake had a seismic intensity of 7.8, yet more than 95% of buildings withstood it. Only the Auditor General’s building collapsed, even though it was newly built. That’s unacceptable,” Anutin said.

The investigation will focus on architects, site supervisors, construction workers, and the Thai-Chinese joint venture responsible for the project.

Meanwhile, rescue teams are still working to reach those trapped in the rubble.

Document Seizure Raises Further Questions Amid Investigation

Police Major General Noppasin Poonsawat, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, reported that four Chinese nationals were questioned after they removed 32 folders of documents from containers at the collapsed building site.

These individuals had legal work permits and were affiliated with the Italian-Thai Development Group. The seized documents reportedly contained information on the project’s contractors. Authorities confiscated the documents and released the men after questioning.

The Chinese workers explained that the documents were intended for preparing an insurance claim. However, the Chatuchak District Office is planning to file a complaint against them. In a related move, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has ordered owners of high-rise buildings, hotels, billboards, and factories to conduct safety inspections of their structures within two weeks.

As public concern grows, this case may mark a critical turning point in Thailand’s oversight of construction standards and disaster preparedness.