Key takeaways:

• A 30-storey tower in Bangkok collapsed during a recent earthquake, resulting in multiple fatalities and extensive damage.
• Concerns have been raised regarding the use of substandard materials and alleged irregularities in the construction process.
• Chinese contractors involved in the project face scrutiny amid accusations of safety violations and corruption.
• The Thai government has initiated an investigation, with initial findings expected shortly.

BANGKOK: The collapse of a 30-storey tower in Bangkok during a recent earthquake has escalated concerns about the building's construction quality and safety standards, particularly involving the Chinese contractors responsible for the project. At least 15 fatalities have been reported, with many more individuals feared trapped under the rubble of the structure, which was intended to house government offices.

The tower, a joint venture between Thailand’s Italian-Thai Development and the China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group, collapsed when a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck from neighbouring Myanmar. It became the only major building to fail in Bangkok, raising alarms about construction practices amid rising scrutiny of Chinese construction firms working abroad. Notably, the Thai government previously flagged irregularities in the tower's construction.

Concerns about the use of substandard materials, particularly steel reinforcement bars, have emerged as investigators from the Thai Industrial Standards Institute analyzed construction debris. Preliminary inspection results indicated that some materials were of inferior quality, leading to allegations of “tofu building” — a term used to describe poor quality constructions using subpar materials.

Chinese contractors have also been implicated in allegations of improper conduct following the disaster, including attempts to remove critical safety documents from the building site. The Chinese embassy in Bangkok has urged firms to comply with local laws and regulations, emphasizing their want for cooperation with ongoing investigations.

Scepticism over the building's construction has been amplified by worker testimonies detailing instances of underpayment and use of low-quality materials. While Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered a thorough investigation, the issue has ignited public outrage, highlighting broader concerns regarding corruption and safety standards within Thailand’s construction industry.

The disaster necessitates a renewed focus on regulatory practices concerning foreign contractors in Thailand and the potential implications of project management practices that prioritize cost over safety. As the inquiry unfolds, the nation remains on high alert for any additional engineering malfeasance that could threaten public safety in future projects.

For more details on the unfolding investigation and its implications for construction practices in Thailand, visit Channel News Asia.