A 30-storey building under construction in Bangkok collapsed recently due to the impact of a major earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand. The tower, constructed by a company with ties to the China Railway Group, turned to rubble, although no significant damage occurred to the surrounding structures.
Bangkok police detained four Chinese nationals who were caught retrieving documents from the debris. According to the authorities, the individuals claimed they were collecting documents necessary to process an insurance claim. However, since the collapsed building was constructed by a Chinese company, their actions have raised suspicions.
Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Shinawatra ordered a thorough investigation. Initial tests conducted on the debris revealed that the steel used in the construction was of substandard quality, which experts believe contributed to the collapse following the earthquake. Officials also suspect design flaws in the building plan.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul assured that a detailed investigation will determine the actual cause of the collapse. Bangkok Governor reported that 19 workers died, while the whereabouts of 75 others remain unknown. Rescue operations are ongoing to save those possibly trapped under the debris.
