Thailand Expands Investigation into Chinese Contractor Following SAO Building Collapse
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Synopsis
Thailand's government has launched an extensive probe into construction projects linked to the Chinese contractor involved in the SAO building collapse, which occurred amid a fierce earthquake. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra insists on ensuring safety standards are met in all ongoing projects.
Key Takeaways
- Thailand intensifies probe into Chinese contractor.
- SAO building collapse raises safety concerns.
- 15 confirmed dead, 72 still missing.
- China Railway No.10 Engineering Group under scrutiny.
- Four Chinese nationals arrested for document removal.
Bangkok, April 2 (NationPress) The government of Thailand has ramped up its investigation into various construction projects linked to the Chinese contractor responsible for the State Audit Office's (SAO) building, which tragically collapsed during a severe earthquake, according to local media reports.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated that she has directed multiple agencies to scrutinize all projects awarded to China Railway No.10 Engineering Group.
"All relevant agencies have been tasked with investigating the total number of projects the company is involved in. All structures in Bangkok are required to comply with legal standards. Safety must be the utmost priority," PM Shinawatra emphasized.
Paetongtarn also mentioned that the collapse has resulted in loss of life and has adversely impacted Thailand's reputation.
Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang indicated that preliminary findings show that shareholders of China Railway No.10 Engineering Group are associated with 13 other firms.
In a related development, rescuers discovered another body in the debris of the collapsed SAO building located in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok early Wednesday morning.
The woman's remains had been identified three days prior but could not be recovered until now.
This tragic discovery has brought the death toll at the collapse site to 15, consisting of eight men and seven women, with nine people injured and 72 individuals still unaccounted for, as reported by the Bangkok Post.
Earlier, Gen Nopasin Poolswat, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, revealed that four Chinese nationals were detained for unlawfully removing 32 documents from the back of the collapsed SAO building without authorization, according to local media.
On March 28, shortly after the earthquake struck Bangkok and devastated the area, China Railway's 10th Bureau began erasing posts and images related to its significant role in constructing the ill-fated building.
On Sunday, Thailand affirmed that 17 individuals had perished and 77 were missing following a powerful earthquake that struck neighboring Myanmar, causing intense tremors throughout the Southeast Asian region.
