China-Backed Firm Faces Probe Over Bangkok Building Collapse As Chance Of Finding Survivors ‘Less Than 1%’
After a 33-storey high-rise in Bangkok collapsed in an earthquake, the China-backed construction firm behind the project is under scrutiny, with authorities investigating the cause of the collapse.
A Chinese-backed construction firm is under scrutiny after a 33-storey high-rise in Bangkok collapsed following a powerful earthquake that struck central Myanmar. The unfinished structure crumbled within seconds on Friday, trapping dozens under the rubble and sending dust and debris across the area.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake, which originated northwest of Sagaing in Myanmar, caused widespread devastation, with tremors felt as far as Thailand and other South Asian countries. Despite multiple aftershocks, no other high-rise in Bangkok suffered such destruction.
Bangkok Cop Says 'Less Than 1% Chance Of Finding Survivours'
According to Bangkok police, the chances of finding survivors remain slim. “Most of the victims are probably dead, and there’s less than one per cent chance of finding any survivors,” a police official told NDTV. Despite the use of advanced rescue equipment, no survivors have been found so far. Authorities estimate that clearing the wreckage could take at least two months.
As of Sunday, AFP reported that at least 17 people have died, 32 are injured, and 83 remain missing—most of them construction workers at the site. Rescue teams are battling extreme heat to locate potential survivors, with thermal imaging drones detecting at least 15 people who may still be alive. Eight bodies have been recovered so far.
China-Backed Firm Under Scanner Over Bangkok Building Collapse
The collapsed high-rise belonged to Thailand’s State Audit Office (SAO) and had been under construction for three years, with an estimated cost exceeding two billion baht (£45 million). According to The Telegraph, the project was a joint venture between Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD) and China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Ltd., a subsidiary of China Railway Number 10 Engineering Group Company. The Chinese firm holds a 49 per cent stake—the maximum foreign ownership allowed under Thai law.
China Railway Number 10 Thailand, established in 2018, has been involved in several major infrastructure projects, including office buildings, railways, and public roads. In 2023, the firm reported a net loss of 199.66 million baht, with revenue of 206.25 million baht and expenses of 354.95 million baht.
The company’s Thai shareholders include Sophon Meechai (40.80%), who has stakes in five other firms, Prachuab Sirikhet (10.20%), with investments in six companies, and Manas Sri-anant (less than 1%), who holds shares in ten firms.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered an urgent investigation, giving an expert panel seven days to determine the cause of the collapse.
Bangkok police, addressing concerns over the involvement of the Chinese-backed firm, told NDTV, “We are aware that the Chinese company was constructing the building, but they can’t take shortcuts to blame China.”
Over 1,600 Dead In Myanmar Earthquake
While Bangkok witnessed a high-rise collapse, Myanmar suffered the worst destruction. Over 1,600 people have been confirmed dead, with thousands injured. Mandalay, one of Myanmar’s largest cities, saw widespread damage. Myanmar’s junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, made a rare international plea for aid—a shift from the regime’s usual reluctance to accept foreign assistance. The country has since declared a state of emergency in six regions, with hospitals struggling to manage the high number of casualties.
In Thailand, the quake led to evacuations of hospitals and office buildings. Even in areas where structures remained intact, tremors caused rooftop swimming pools to overflow, as captured in viral footage.
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