Bangkok’s Collapse Scandal: Fake Steel, Chinese Builders, and a $60M Disaster

Bangkok’s Collapse Scandal: Fake Steel, Chinese Builders, and a $60M Disaster

On March 28, an earthquake rattled Bangkok—yet only one building collapsed: a 30-storey government tower under construction. It wasn’t just bad luck. It was a blueprint for disaster. This video uncovers the shocking truth behind the collapse: fake steel, illegal foreign ownership, and a Chinese state contractor caught sneaking into the rubble to retrieve sensitive documents. The project was part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative—and now it’s at the center of a $60 million scandal. With 27 dead, 67 missing, and national investigators digging deeper, this is no longer just a construction failure. It’s a corruption crisis unraveling at the highest levels. The question remains: Was this building ever meant to stand?

The collapse of a 30-storey government tower under construction in Bangkok on 28 March 2025 has ignited a major scandal, raising serious concerns about construction practices, regulatory oversight, and foreign involvement in Thailand’s infrastructure projects.​

The Collapse and Immediate Aftermath

The building, intended to house Thailand’s State Audit Office, was the only structure in Bangkok to collapse following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake centered in Myanmar. Despite the quake’s epicenter being over 1,200 kilometers away, the tower crumbled, resulting in at least 47 fatalities and 47 individuals reported missing. ​ABC News+10Straits Times+10Reuters+10Devdiscourse+4AP News+4Khaosod English+4

Substandard Materials and Construction Practices

Investigations revealed that the collapse was linked to the use of substandard steel supplied by Xin Ke Yuan Steel, a Chinese-Thai company. Tests conducted by the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand indicated that steel bars from the collapsed site failed to meet national safety standards. The steel was produced using induction furnace technology, known for inconsistent quality, and the factory had been previously ordered to cease operations due to safety violations. ​Thailand Info+12Straits Times+12Devdiscourse+12Thaiger+3Thaiger+3Globe | Bangkok’s News + Lifestyle+3Thaiger

Legal and Regulatory Implications

The construction project was a joint venture between Italian-Thai Development and China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group, a state-owned Chinese contractor. Authorities are investigating allegations that the Chinese firm used Thai nominees to circumvent foreign ownership laws, which restrict foreign entities from holding more than 49% ownership in certain sectors. A Chinese executive associated with the project was arrested on suspicion of operating the business through nominee shareholders, and arrest warrants have been issued for three Thai nationals believed to be involved. ​Wikipedia+10Asia Financial+10Thaiger+10Thailand Info+4AP News+4The Washington Post+4

Broader Industry Concerns

The incident has prompted a nationwide review of construction safety standards and practices. The term “tofu-dreg project,” commonly used in China to describe poorly constructed buildings, has been applied to this case, highlighting concerns about the quality of construction materials and oversight. Thai authorities are now scrutinizing other projects involving foreign contractors and suppliers to prevent similar tragedies.​South China Morning Post+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Globe | Bangkok’s News + Lifestyle

Conclusion

The Bangkok tower collapse serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of stringent construction standards, transparent regulatory practices, and vigilant oversight, especially in projects involving foreign entities. As investigations continue, it is imperative for Thai authorities to implement reforms that ensure the safety and integrity of the nation’s infrastructure.