Among the structural steel bars used in the construction of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, a sample from one supplier failed to meet the required standards (1).
Thitipas Chotedechachainan, the Industry Minister’s aide, issued this statement following the collapse of a 30-story building during Friday afternoon’s earthquake, which caused numerous injuries, deaths, and left many people unaccounted for.
On Monday, The Industry Ministry collected steel samples from the debris for the inspection of the materials at the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand, Khong Toei District. Out of which, Thitipas claimed that one of the three steel samples did not meet standards. She added that the factory in Rayong province had been ordered to close since December last year after an inspection by her team.
As the State Audit Office building was built around five years ago, she expects that the steel from this factory, registered by Chinese nationals, could have been procured for the construction before the inspection. She also confirmed the steel samples from the two other companies met all quality standards. Nevertheless, officials stand ready to conduct factory inspections should any concerns emerge about their materials’ integrity.
Thitipas noted that the Industry Minister has prioritized stringent quality controls for critical construction materials—including steel bars, electric wires, and rubber, emphasizing their direct impact on public safety. The inspections also aim to prevent the dumping of international products and protecting domestic producers, she added.
Reports also adds that she stated that the seven factories established by both Thai and foreign entities, mostly those from China, have been inspected so far. She warned that shareholders and importers remain liable to prosecution regardless of whether the companies are still operating.
Source: (1) Nation Thailand