Thai police made a significant arrest on Saturday in Bangkok, detaining a Chinese national connected to the state-owned China Railway 10th Engineering Group. This comes after the tragic collapse of a 30-story building, which was under construction and part of a major project, leading to dozens of fatalities. Investigations reveal serious violations of local business laws, prompting demands for accountability from government officials.
Thailand Arrests Chinese Executive Amid Investigation of Bangkok Building Collapse
Thailand Arrests Chinese Executive Amid Investigation of Bangkok Building Collapse
In the wake of a deadly construction collapse in Bangkok linked to a recent earthquake, authorities arrest a Chinese executive involved in the developing firm.
The authorities in Thailand have taken decisive action following the catastrophic collapse of a building in Bangkok last month caused by an earthquake. An executive, identified as Zhang Chuanling, was arrested by the Thai police on charges of violating the Foreign Business Act, which restricts foreign ownership in local entities. The building, meant to house the nation’s State Audit Office, collapsed tragically, resulting in at least 47 confirmed deaths, with a further 47 missing and presumed dead.
The investigation has drawn significant attention both locally and internationally, especially given the earthquake’s epicenter was far from Bangkok, located in Myanmar over 600 miles away. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces increasing calls for transparency and accountability surrounding the reconstruction projects handled by China Railway 10th, which had been in charge of the concrete structure's operations.
Concerns over construction practices have also emerged, with workers alleging that the company underpaid contractors, which led to the use of inferior materials and inadequate construction techniques. Reports indicate that authorities found substandard construction materials at the site, raising further alarms about the oversight in place for such significant infrastructure projects. While Zhang Chuanling has been arrested, three other board members remain at large, prompting ongoing investigations into the practices of China Railway 10th in Thailand and their compliance with local laws.
The investigation has drawn significant attention both locally and internationally, especially given the earthquake’s epicenter was far from Bangkok, located in Myanmar over 600 miles away. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces increasing calls for transparency and accountability surrounding the reconstruction projects handled by China Railway 10th, which had been in charge of the concrete structure's operations.
Concerns over construction practices have also emerged, with workers alleging that the company underpaid contractors, which led to the use of inferior materials and inadequate construction techniques. Reports indicate that authorities found substandard construction materials at the site, raising further alarms about the oversight in place for such significant infrastructure projects. While Zhang Chuanling has been arrested, three other board members remain at large, prompting ongoing investigations into the practices of China Railway 10th in Thailand and their compliance with local laws.
