Serious concerns have arisen following the dramatic collapse of a 30-story skyscraper in Bangkok, which happened after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck neighboring Myanmar and rattled the city. Four days later, the incident has left at least 19 people dead and 77 missing, prompting an investigation into the causes of the structural failure.
The skyscraper, which was under construction, was the only building in Bangkok that completely succumbed to the earthquake and its subsequent aftershocks, reducing it to a pile of rubble within seconds. Authorities are looking into whether the collapse resulted from inadequate building materials, design flaws, or failures in the inspection and approval processes.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt visited the site on Monday, where heavy machinery worked to uncover more victims. He emphasized the need to prioritize rescue efforts, stating, “Even one life saved is worth all the effort.”
However, he also highlighted the importance of understanding how the collapse occurred to prevent future incidents. “We need to find the root cause to learn lessons and improve building regulations,” he told reporters.
Concerns were further echoed by Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who questioned the design approval process and the reasons for the building’s unique vulnerability. “What happened from the beginning since it was designed? We need to investigate where the mistakes occurred,” she stated, confirming that an expert-led investigation would be initiated with findings expected shortly.
Critics speculate that the steel reinforcement bars used in the construction may have been too thin or of poor quality. Experts have begun testing several steel rods removed from the debris. Thai Industry Minister Akanat Promphan reported the discovery of six different types of steel at the scene, all from the same manufacturer, highlighting that “the collapse can stem from multiple factors — design, construction, and material specification.”
Akanat noted he had already found “something suspicious” but would await test results before drawing further conclusions. The project was a collaboration between a Bangkok real estate developer, the Italian-Thai Development company, and the China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group, which managed much of the construction work.
On Sunday, Bangkok Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Major General Noppasin Poonsawat indicated that officers had questioned four Chinese workers discovered removing files from containers behind the collapsed building. These workers, who held valid permits and were employed by the Italian-Thai Development firm, were released after questioning.
The files reportedly contained information on contractors and subcontractors involved in the project. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has since announced the formation of an investigation committee, instructing that results be submitted within a week.
As hope diminishes for finding additional survivors, search crews continue to recover bodies, and families remain vigil outside the site, holding onto hope.
