BANGKOK — Following widespread criticism that led to an inquiry into the collapse of a high-rise building under construction following an earthquake in Bangkok last month, a Thai-Chinese business has refuted claims that its steel rods failed safety standard testing. To determine why the building collapsed after an earthquake that was centred in Myanmar, more than 1,200 kilometres distant, authorities are questioning Xin Ke Yuan Steel and another Chinese contractor engaged in the construction.
On that particular day, it was the only structure in the Thai capital to entirely collapse. Over 3,700 people were killed in Myanmar by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck on 28 March. In Thailand, 47 people died, primarily at the scene of a building collapse. Zhang, the Chinese executive of China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group, was arrested on Saturday in Thailand on suspicion of running the company through nominees after the collapse raised concerns about the enforcement of construction safety and the state-run Chinese contractor.
In order to preserve local competitiveness, foreigners are permitted to run businesses in Thailand, but they must form a joint venture with a Thai partner and cannot hold more than 49% of the company. According to Department of Special Investigation authorities, three Thai shareholders of the firm are also wanted on suspicion of being the candidates. They said that they were investigating whether the business had engaged in unlawful bidding manipulation and the quality of the building materials.
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