Thailand detains 4 suspects over collapsed skyscraper in deadly earthquake

By VNA April 20, 2025 | 04:53 pm PT

A building under construction in Bangkok collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, March 30, 2025. Photo by AFP

Thai authorities have arrested four suspects linked to the construction company responsible for a high-rise building in Bangkok that collapsed in an earthquake last month, which left dozens dead.

The 30-storey skyscraper, intended to be used as government agencies' offices, was the only major construction project to collapse in Bangkok due to the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28. Thai authorities reported that 47 people were killed at the construction site, while 47 others remain missing.

The building, located near the famous Chatuchak market, was a significant cooperation project involving the China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC)’s China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group.

At a press conference, Thai Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said that a Thai court had issued arrest warrants for the four individuals from the construction group. The charges include violations of Thailand's Foreign Business Act.

Among the arrested are three Thai nationals, who are believed to hold 51% of the company's shares. However, Tawee stated that evidence suggests they are merely holding the shares on behalf of foreign investors, in violation of the law. The act restricts foreign ownership in companies to no more than 49%.

The investigation into the building collapse is ongoing, with authorities also probing potential bidding fraud and the use of forged signatures of engineers in construction supervision contracts.