Arrests Made Following High-Rise Collapse in Bangkok

In the aftermath of a catastrophic high-rise building collapse in Bangkok, which resulted in numerous fatalities, authorities have arrested key individuals connected to the project. The incident occurred on March 28, when a 30-story building under construction, intended for the Thai Audit Office, collapsed. Reports indicate that at least 47 people lost their lives, with an additional 47 individuals still unaccounted for.

According to Thailand's Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, a Chinese businessman involved in the building's development has been taken into custody, along with three Thai nationals. These arrests come as part of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

The Justice Minister further revealed that the three Thai citizens are suspected of acting as front men for foreign investors, holding 51 percent of shares in the construction company. This arrangement is in violation of Thai law, which stipulates that foreign ownership in a business should not exceed 49 percent.

The construction project was a joint venture between China Railway No. 10, the Chinese firm employing the arrested manager, and a Thai-Italian company. Investigations are also focusing on alleged fraud related to the awarding of contracts and the forgery of signatures by engineers overseeing the building's construction.

Authorities have previously indicated that inspections of the debris revealed the use of substandard steel in the construction, raising serious concerns about the safety protocols followed during the building process. The collapse was notably the only incident attributed to a recent earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located in Myanmar, where over 3,700 fatalities were reported.

As authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and transparency in the construction industry to prevent such tragedies in the future. The government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing regulations that safeguard public safety and uphold the integrity of construction practices.