DSI investigates construction scandal after Bangkok earthquake

After the earthquake that shook Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, DSI (Department of Special Investigation) is now conducting a comprehensive investigation into the collapse of a government building in Bangkok. The focus is on suspected fraud with construction materials, illegal labor, and shell companies with foreign ownership.

The National Audit Office building collapsed

The building that collapsed in Chatuchak, Bangkok, was the new office of the National Audit Office, and the tragedy has already claimed at least 22 lives. Now the Chinese-Thai company is under investigation China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group for several serious crimes.

Substandard building materials and illegal labor

DSI suspects that the company used dangerously substandard steel structures from a factory in Rayong that had already been banned from production. Of 28 steel samples tested, 13 failed.

In addition, there are suspicions that the company circumvented the law by registering a Thai shell company to meet the 51 percent domestic ownership requirement. Authorities are now investigating links to 13 other companies with a similar structure. In total, the government procurements are worth 1,8 billion baht, according to Bangkok Post.

The company is also suspected of hiring foreign engineers without permission from the Thai Engineers Council. DSI plans to summon representatives for questioning and has secured documentation that could form the basis for legal proceedings.

Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong says the case is of "high national importance" and that no one should be above the law.

Chinese Embassy: "Expects transparency and cooperation"

In response to the investigation, the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok has published an official statement on social media, expressing its condolences to the families of the victims and emphasizing the importance of a fair and transparent investigation.

The embassy stressed that the Chinese government expects Chinese companies operating in Thailand to comply with local laws and assume their social responsibilities. It also stated that the embassy is ready to cooperate with Thai authorities to support the investigation, writes Nation Thailand.

Facts

• The building that collapsed belongs to the National Audit Office (OAG).
• At least 22 deaths have been confirmed so far
• DSI investigates crimes related to construction materials, labor and procurement
• The suspect company is China Railway No. 10 Thailand
• The value of the government procurement amounts to 1,8 billion baht

Artiklar report

Read more of our previous articles about the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand:

• Latest news: Earthquake in Thailand – April 2025
• Is it safe to travel to Thailand after the earthquake?
• SMS alerts in Thailand – how the system worked during the earthquake
• Rescue efforts after the earthquake – Myanmar and Thailand
• Update: Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand
• Strong earthquake in Myanmar – felt throughout Thailand

Text: The editorial staff

Image license: Supanut Arunoprayote, Wikimedia, original image