Investigation Launched Following High-Rise Collapse in Bangkok After Earthquake

Following the tragic collapse of a high-rise building in Bangkok caused by an earthquake on March 28, 2025, Xin Ke Yuan Steel has found itself at the center of a national investigation. Authorities are investigating this Thai-Chinese company amid allegations that its steel rods were not up to safety standards. The high-rise was the only building that completely fell following a quake originating in Myanmar, which registered a magnitude of 7.7 and resulted in thousands of casualties.

The collapse has raised alarm over construction safety regulations and led to the arrest of Zhang, a Chinese executive linked to the state-run contractor, China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group. This company was implicated due to suspicions that it operated outside of the legal ownership framework required in Thailand, where foreign businesses must partner with local firms. Officials from the Department of Special Investigation are currently pursuing three Thai shareholders for allegedly acting as nominees.

Amid these developments, a Thai engineer has claimed that his name was misused and signatures forged in relation to the project, denying any connection to the construction. Xin Ke Yuan Steel, partly owned by Chinese investors, faces scrutiny over the steel quality it provided, as its license was already under suspension due to a fatal incident at one of their factories.

Industry Minister Akanat Promphan revealed that two types of steel rods found at the collapse site failed safety tests, and both were supplied by Xin Ke Yuan. A raid on the company's factory was conducted for evidence, and earlier failures had already cast doubt on their materials. In response, the company's legal representatives contended that their products had passed safety tests and decried the treatment they have received from the authorities, but did not clarify on the specific tests related to the collapsed building.

Adding to the troubles, the Revenue Department has accused Xin Ke Yuan of fraud in issuing over 7,000 false tax invoices, which the company's lawyers also deny. Meanwhile, the search continues for the workers who remain missing in the aftermath of the collapse.