PM Orders Urgent Investigation into State Audit Office Building Collapse

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22 April 2025, 19:29

Thailand Southeast Asia Earthquake — Heavy machinery are employed to clear the huge pile of concrete at the site of an under-construction high-rise building that collapsed after an earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

BANGKOK — Three weeks after the collapse of the State Audit Office building under construction in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, the investigation into the cause of this building collapse – the only one of its kind in Bangkok – still faces obstacles from the debris removal operations to search for bodies trapped under the rubble. The Thai Prime Minister has therefore ordered relevant agencies to coordinate efforts to advance the investigation further.

Jirayu Huangsap, spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, said that during the cabinet meeting on April 22, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra issued instructions to the authorities to urgently investigate the collapse of the State Audit Office building and to take legal action against those responsible. The instructions are as follows:

All relevant agencies must cooperate with the police by providing necessary documents and information to facilitate a swift investigation into the cause.
The State Audit Office (SAO) is requested to submit all related documents, including reports from an internal investigation which found that the contractor had breached the contract without termination as of January 2025.
The Meteorological Department and the Department of Mineral Resources must urgently submit reports on the impact of the earthquake in the Bangkok area to the Royal Thai Police.
The Comptroller General’s Department, which oversees procurement standards and construction material quality, is to participate in the investigation, especially regarding procurement law compliance and authority to terminate contracts with non-compliant companies.
The Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, under the Ministry of Interior, which took part in inspecting the building’s design and acceptance, must fully cooperate with police. Officials involved in certifying the SAO building should be separated from the investigation process.
The Ministry of Industry is to work with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on cases involving substandard steel and cement, unlawful foreign business operations, and collusion in bidding.

china railway1 — DSI Director-General Police Major Yutthana Praedam explains a chart showing the names of three Thai nationals suspected of being nominees for China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Ltd. on April 4, 2025.

Review Compensation for Those Affected

In terms of compensation for those affected, the Prime Minister has acknowledged complaints that the Comptroller General’s Department’s existing regulations do not reflect actual damages.

She has instructed the relevant authorities, including the CGD, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Department of Public Works and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, to consider possible changes to make the compensation process more flexible and reflect actual damages.

This compensation must not overlap with any insurance payments the building has received for repairs.

quake 2nd day2 — Rescuers continue searching for people trapped under the rubble of the State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district, Bangkok on March 29, 2025.

Probing Two Possible Causes of the Collapse

Meanwhile, Pongnara Yenying, Director-General of the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, has reported to the Prime Minister and the Interior Minister that there are two main possible causes for the collapse of the SAO building: Design faults or construction faults. Both possibilities are currently being investigated.

He said that a complex mathematical model is being developed to assess whether construction errors led to the collapse. The department has requested 90 days to do this, as four academic institutions independently create simulations that are then compared.

“The modeling process takes time because it has to incorporate the actual building plans into a computer system and simulate the force of the recent earthquake to determine if the collapse is related to the design,” he said.

Once the results are known, they will be reported to the Home Secretary and then the Prime Minister. The next step will be for the police and DSI to take further legal action if necessary.

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PM Orders Visa Exemption Review, Shorter Stays Considered

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Khaosod English

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22 April 2025, 18:59

paetong visa exempt — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks at a press conference following the cabinet meeting at Government House on April 22, 2025.

BANGKOK — After reports that some foreigners have exploited the visa exemption to commit illegal acts, including the major case of the State Audit Office building collapse, Thailand’s Prime Minister has ordered a review of this program to shorten the permitted length of stay from 60 or 90 days.

Jirayu Huangsap, spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, said that during the cabinet meeting on April 22, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to jointly study and evaluate the impact of the visa waiver for various countries.

The focus is on assessing the appropriateness of the length of stay with the aim of maximizing the national benefit and aligning it with the original purpose of promoting tourism.

Foreign tourists explore Pai at night. The town is famous for its natural beauty and peaceful community.

Currently, the visa exemption scheme is available to nationals of 93 countries and territories for the purpose of tourism or urgent work, for up to a 60-day period of stay and can be extended for another period not exceeding 30 days.

It has been found that the visa waiver policy has been exploited by certain individuals who enter Thailand to work illegally or exceed the permitted length of stay. Therefore, the Prime Minister has asked the relevant authorities to strictly enforce the law against lawbreakers.

At the same time, she called on all ministries to help restore the confidence of foreign investors and tourists. She assured them that the government is fully prepared to ensure safety and support economic stimulation in the second half of the year through various support measures.

The visa exemption measures began during Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration to boost tourism, starting with Chinese and Kazakh tourists on September 25, 2023. The government announced an increase in the number of countries whose citizens are allowed to stay in the Kingdom for up to 60 days from July 15, 2024 onwards.

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Thailand Announces 60-Day Visa Exemption for 90 Countries

Taiwan Launches NT$1 Million Short Film Contest

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Khaosod English

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22 April 2025, 17:06

taiwan film contest5 — #FindingTAIWAN International Short Film Contest 2025

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has officially launched the #FindingTAIWAN International Short Film Contest, inviting filmmakers worldwide to showcase their personal connections to Taiwan through 1-minute videos.

The competition encourages participants to capture their unique perspectives on Taiwan, whether through favorite foods, places, or any aspect of Taiwanese culture that resonates with them. The contest welcomes films depicting Taiwan itself or Taiwanese influences found globally.

With a substantial prize pool totaling NT$1 million, contestants will compete for the grand prize of NT$200,000.

taiwan film contest — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (center) addresses participants at the press conference kicking off the #FindingTaiwan International Short Film Contest April 9 in Taipei City. (MOFA)

At a press conference in Taipei City on April 9, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung highlighted Taiwan’s global impact while announcing the film contest. He emphasized Taiwan’s technological achievements and semiconductor industry leadership, alongside recent sporting success in the World Baseball Softball Confederation Premier12 championship.

Minister Lin also noted Taiwan’s upcoming participation in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, encouraging global citizens to embrace their role as informal diplomats. He specifically mentioned opportunities to discover Taiwan through the World Expo and National Palace Museum exhibitions in Czechia and France.

The minister concluded with an invitation for people worldwide to participate in the #FindingTAIWAN competition, reinforcing the contest’s aim to gather diverse international perspectives on Taiwan’s cultural significance and global presence.

At the launch event, MOFA featured inspirational example videos from Korean influencer couple @pony.min.9465 (Facebook) and @ponie_min (Instagram), previous winners of the Trending Taiwan Short Film Competition. The event also showcased work from Lin Pang-soong, recipient of the 2025 Asia Design Prize Judge’s Choice award.

The contest aims to collect diverse international perspectives on Taiwan’s cultural impact and global presence through the accessible medium of short-form video content.

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Pattaya Police Swiftly Arrest Suspect in Robbery of Russian Woman

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Khaosod English

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22 April 2025, 15:57

Russian woman — A Russian female tourist and her Thai friend file a police report at Pattaya City Police Station after being robbed by a thief disguised as a motorcycle taxi driver on April 20, 2025.

PATTAYA — A Thai suspect, who wore a bright orange motorcycle taxi vest and helmet during the crimes, was captured shortly after he allegedly robbed a Russian woman at gunpoint before 9 p.m. on Sunday.

On April 22, 2025, Pol. Lt. Gen. Yingyos Thepjumnong, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 2, announced the arrest of a suspect involved in a string of armed robberies in Pattaya, Chonburi Province.

According to the Commissioner, officers from Pattaya City Police Station immediately launched an investigation upon receiving reports from both a Thai and a Russian female victim who stated that a man on a motorcycle approached them, brandished a firearm, and demanded their belongings.

theft russian pattaya1 — Pattaya police arrest a 30-year-old Thai male suspect for robbing a Russian woman, shortly after they obtained an arrest warrant on April 22, 2025.

Miss Lilita, who was with her friend and three-year-old daughter, was robbed in Soi Phra Tamnak 5. Fearing for her child’s safety, she handed over 3,100 baht to the thief, who then quickly accelerated and fled the scene.

Pattaya police reviewed CCTV footage from across the city, leading to the identification of the perpetrator. A warrant for his arrest was quickly issued by the court, and police successfully apprehended the suspect.

The 30-year-old Thai male has a criminal record and was already wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant. Pol. Lt. Gen. Yingyos confirmed that the man is considered a danger to society due to his repeated involvement in serious criminal offenses. He was taken into custody for interrogation and is now facing prosecution.

“This suspect has a history of committing similar offenses and has shown no remorse despite being arrested multiple times. His actions—particularly targeting women and tourists—severely damage Thailand’s image,” said the Commissioner. “I have ordered this case to be handled with the utmost seriousness.”

The Commissioner also emphasized the critical role of the city’s extensive CCTV system, which enables swift response and tracking of criminal activity. He has instructed Pattaya police to intensify patrols, expedite the apprehension of individuals with outstanding warrants, and crack down on illegal firearms and contraband.

“Our goal is to ensure the safety and security of both residents and visitors. The Pattaya police are fully committed to protecting the public. Should any incident occur, we are prepared to investigate and arrest suspects without delay,” Pol. Lt. Gen. Yingyos Thepjumnong stated. “We urge the public and all tourists to place their trust in the Royal Thai Police—we are here to safeguard everyone.”

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SRT and ROCTEC Ink Deal for Telecommunications Network Installation

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MC Marketing

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22 April 2025, 15:35

Bangkok, 21 April 2025 – The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and ROCTEC Global Public Company Limited (ROCTEC) have signed a contract for the Telecommunications Network System Installation Project, together with consortium partners SKY ICT Public Company Limited and United Telecom Sales and Services Company Limited. Under this initiative, ROCTEC, an ICT solutions provider with over 30 years of experience in telecommunications infrastructure and a proven track record of delivering railway ICT systems in Hong Kong, will collaborate with its consortium partners on the design and implementation of a high-speed fibre optic network across SRT’s railway system. The initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of railway safety, operations, management, and passenger services, while laying the foundation for long-term collaboration on future developments.

Mr. Weng Sam Lam, Chief Executive Officer of ROCTEC, stated that the project represents a critical step in modernising and upgrading SRT’s telecommunications infrastructure to improve communication, enhance train control, and reduce operational costs. “We are honoured to support Thailand’s digital rail transformation. This new infrastructure will help SRT operate more efficiently, support network expansion, and integrate seamlessly with future high-speed rail connectivity. The project aligns with national infrastructure development goals and will contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth,” he said. Implementation is targeted for completion within two years.

The Telecommunications Network System Installation Project integrates ICT systems with intelligent rail infrastructure in two key areas. The first involves the construction of the telecommunications backbone, including signal transmission equipment such as Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), IP/MPLS networks, IP-Backbone systems, IP telephony systems, train control telephony systems, and fibre optic cabling. The second area focuses on the deployment of advanced technology solutions. This includes approximately 3,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables installed along SRT’s main routes, buildings, and offices, as well as DWDM systems to expand bandwidth and enhance communication performance. The project scope also includes IP Backbone and Wi-Fi systems to support train control telephony and CCTV, VoIP and IP telephony systems to improve communication effectiveness, and a robust cybersecurity framework to safeguard data and mitigate cyber threats. A Network Operations Centre will also be established to enable centralised monitoring and efficient system management.

Phuket–Pattaya Holiday Home Market Booms Despite Real Estate Slump

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Khaosod English

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22 April 2025, 15:11

BANGKOK — Despite the global uncertainty caused by Donald Trump’s tariff announcement and the earthquake in Myanmar that shook Bangkok and led to the collapse of a government audit office building under construction, Phuket and Pattaya are emerging as real estate investment hotspots for both Thai and foreign buyers.

Phattarachai Thaweewong, director of research and communications at Colliers Thailand, told Prachachat Business that over 50 new projects for vacation homes and condominiums were launched in Phuket and Pattaya in Q1/2025 with a total value of over 61.5 billion baht ($1.85 billion).

Some large listed developers filled their 49% quota for foreign buyers within just 3 hours, with over 2,000 names on the waiting list.

Several developers have reportedly sold more than 20 villas within a month, while others have reached 50–70% of total project sales in less than a month, a sign of strong demand from both local and foreign investors.

Phuket Condominiums Hot Through 2026

Phuket’s real estate market experienced a peak in Q1 2025, supported by the recovery in tourism. Tourists and investors sought long-term stays and short-term rentals, especially in the form of vacation villas.

3,167 new condominiums were launched from 11 projects worth 25.8 billion baht. The four main locations were Bang Tao, Cherng Talay, Kata and the center of Phuket.

“The Phuket vacation home market has its peak season from November to March, followed by a low season. Another 3,000 new condominiums are expected to enter the market, mainly from major developers.”

Laguna 728x485 1 — Condominium in Phuket

For 2025, the Phuket market remains strong, although new supply could easily decline to 8,000–10,000 units. In 2023–2024, over 20,000 new units will enter the market. The most popular locations include Bang Tao, Cherng Talay, Rawai, Kata, Karon and Phuket Town.

Well-known Bangkok-based developers are showing growing interest in Phuket’s condominium sector for 2025–2026, driven by condo sales to Thai buyers and condo sales to foreigners, especially wealthy Russian buyers post-COVID.

Holiday Homes THB 30–50 Million Selling Fast

The market for high-end vacation homes in Phuket is the hottest in Thailand. By Q1/2025, 660 new units from 35 projects worth 23.3 billion baht have been launched, representing an average price of 35 million baht ($1.05 million) per unit. More than 55% of the villas are located in Cherng Talay, which is very popular with both Thai and foreign buyers, especially Russians.

Top beachfront locations include Thalang (Bang Tao, Surin, Layan, Cherng Talay), Phuket Town (Chalong Bay, Rawai) and Kathu (Kamala, Patong).

tales story one bang — Pool villa in Phuket

Competition for houses in the 30-50 million baht ($900K – 1.5 million) price segment is becoming increasingly fierce. As land on the beach is becoming increasingly scarce, development is shifting inland, where land prices are lower and privacy is greater.

“The Phuket market is visibly vibrant. The data confirms even greater potential for growth, with many large developers looking to expand either on their own or through local partnerships.”

Luxury Market Soars in Pattaya

In Q1/2025, the luxury condominium market in Pattaya recorded surprisingly fast sales. New openings were concentrated in three main locations: Jomtien, Wong Amat and the center of Pattaya. A total of 7 projects with 2,386 units worth 12.37 billion baht ($372 million) were brought to the market.

The city experienced a resurgence with major brands from Bangkok and renowned local developers such as Origin Property, Riviera Group, Sansiri and AssetWise.

Following the March 28 earthquake in Myanmar, Sansiri’s newly launched PTY Residence Sai 1 sold out within 3 hours, bringing in 3.3 billion baht to Thai and foreign buyers. Over 2,000 names were on the waiting list.

“PTY succeeded thanks to the synergy of the Sansiri brand and its rare location in the center of Pattaya on the beach, where no new luxury condominiums had been offered for over 15 years. The pent-up demand was huge.”

High-End Condos Return to Pattaya

There are currently 50,186 condominiums on the market in Pattaya, of which 74.54% (37,410 units) have been sold and 25.45% (12,776 units) remain. Central Pattaya has the highest sales rate (87.28%), followed by Jomtien (79.49%) and Na Jomtien (74.12%).

Beachfront condominiums are still in short supply and strong demand is leading to rapid sell-outs.

“Growth in Pattaya is showing a marked improvement. Supply is steadily increasing and sales are efficient. Jomtien, Na Jomtien and Wong Amat are now major centers for luxury and branded apartments. The long-term value growth for Pattaya real estate looks promising,” Phattarachai concluded.

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Thai Ex-Prosecutors Jailed for Red Bull Heir Crash Cover-up

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Associated Press

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22 April 2025, 13:24

Former Thai prosecutors sentenced to prison for alleged cover-up of Red Bull heir’s deadly crash

By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai court convicted and sentenced on Tuesday two former prosecutors in connection with an alleged cover-up of a 2012 Ferrari crash involving an heir to the Red Bull energy drink fortune that killed a police officer.

Former Deputy Attorney General Nate Naksuk and former prosecutor Chainarong Sangthongaram were sentenced to three and two years, respectively, for abuse of power to help an individual avoid prosecution, said the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Bangkok.

They were among eight people charged with conspiring to alter the recorded speed of the Ferrari driven by Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya to help him evade a speeding charge. The rest, including former Police Chief Gen. Somyot Poompanmoung, were acquitted due to a lack of evidence linking them to the cover-up, the court said on Tuesday.

However, the court ordered all eight to be detained pending an appeal, according to the court statement, which didn’t provide further details. They were later released on bail, local media reported.

Vorayuth escaped justice by fleeing abroad in a case widely viewed as an example of how the rich and well-connected enjoy impunity in Thailand.

He is the grandson of the late Chaleo Yoovidhya, one of the creators of the globally famous Red Bull brand. Forbes magazine last year listed the Yoovidhya family as Thailand’s richest with an estimated net worth of $36 billion.

Former prosecutor Chainarong Sangthongaram arrives to hear the verdict at the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct in Bangkok on April 22, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Jadesarit Chayathadathanasakul)

Police have said Vorayuth smashed his Ferrari into the back of a police officer’s motorbike around dawn on a major Bangkok road in September 2012. The officer was flung from the bike and died at the scene. Vorayuth drove home and was later arrested. Medical tests showed traces of alcohol and cocaine in his bloodstream, according to police.

Vorayuth avoided further legal action by consistently failing to meet with prosecutors, while continuing for years to live a jet-set life. By the time prosecutors finally issued an arrest warrant in April 2017, Vorayuth had fled abroad.

His case has been marked by numerous delays in the investigative and judicial processes, running down the clock on most of the charges involving the hit-and-run death of the officer. There is a single charge left of reckless driving causing death, which expires under the statute of limitations in 2027.

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China Railway’s Exec Bailed, Xin Ke Yuan Defends Quality in Building Collapse Probe

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Khaosod English

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21 April 2025, 23:49

china railway court1 — DSI investigators bring 42-year-old Chinese national Mr. Zhang Chuanling to the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok on April 21, 2025.

BANGKOK — A Chinese executive from China Railway (Thailand) has been released on 500,000 baht bail with travel restrictions after being charged by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in a nominee case.

The case involves the collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok, which was the only building to collapse during the March 28 earthquake that originated in Myanmar. The disaster resulted in 103 casualties, with only 9 survivors.

On April 21, DSI investigators brought 42-year-old Chinese national Mr. Zhang Chuanling to the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok for the first detention request. He was arrested at a hotel in the Ratchada area on April 19 and informed of the charges.

An Investor from China

Zhang denied the charges, stating he hadn’t appointed anyone as a nominee shareholder. He explained that he represents a Chinese state enterprise and is an investor from China making investments in Thailand on behalf of the Chinese government. He claimed to be merely an executive sent to manage the company’s operations in Thailand.

china railway a 1 — Special Investigation Department (DSI) officers apprehend Mr. Zhang Chuanling, a board member of China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) Company Limited at a luxury hotel in the Ratchadaphisek area of Bangkok on April 19, 2025.

He affirmed that the Chinese state enterprise has approved approximately 120 million baht ($3.6 million) in compensation for victims and those affected by the State Audit Office building collapse, and is currently coordinating with the Ministry of Justice to deliver these funds.

The suspect posted 500,000 baht ($15,000) bail, which the court granted with the condition that he cannot leave the country without court permission and must report as scheduled.

Details of the Petition

The petition stated that the DSI received a case regarding a joint venture that bid on the State Audit Office building construction project, potentially violating the Foreign Business Act and possibly being involved in government procurement fraud.

Investigations revealed that the company responsible for constructing the building was a joint venture between Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (ITD) and China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) Co., Ltd., operating as ITD-CREC. China Railway was registered on August 10, 2018, with a registered capital of 100 million baht (1 million shares at 100 baht each), with Thai shareholders holding 51% and Chinese nationals 49%. ITD-CREC has 4 shareholders:

Heavy machinery are employed to clear the huge pile of concrete at the site of an under-construction high-rise building that collapsed after an earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

China Railway No. 10 Engineering Company (Chinese nationality): 490,000 shares (49%), valued at 49 million baht, with Zhang (Chinese) and Mr. Sophon Meechai (Thai) as authorized directors
Mr. Sophon Meechai (66, Thai): 407,997 shares (40.7997%), valued at 40,799,700 baht, also holding shares in 4 other companies
Mr. Prajuab Sirikhet (53, Thai): 102,000 shares (10.20%), valued at 10,200,000 baht, also holding shares in 7 other companies
Mr. Manat Sri-anan (62, Thai): 3 shares (0.003%), valued at 300 baht, also holding shares in 10 other companies

Suspicious Thai Partners

Further investigation into the three Thai directors revealed that Mr. Sophon previously worked at Thai Glass Industries Co., Ltd., resigning on September 9, 2014, with no subsequent employment records. Mr. Prajuab and Mr. Manat worked at Santiphap Import-Export Co., Ltd., with Mr. Prajuab resigning on September 1, 2010, and Mr. Manat on March 31, 2015.

CREC 1 — Construction supervisors of the State Audit Office building holding a sign written in Thai and Chinese that reads: ‘Celebration ceremony for the completion of structural work, Construction Project of the (New) Office of the Auditor General,’ CREC, April 3, 2024.

Santiphap Import-Export is located at 493 Soi Phutthabucha 44, Lane 11, Bang Mot, Thung Khru, Bangkok – the same address as China Railway and eight other companies. All three Thai directors of China Railway also serve as directors of these companies.

Investigations found that Sophon, Prajuab, and Manat were employees of Chinese-owned companies, working as manual laborers and drivers. It is not credible that these three individuals are shareholders in any business, given their employment as hired workers with low incomes.

They are suspected of being registered as nominal shareholders holding 51% to make China Railway appear to be a Thai company, allowing it to engage in businesses restricted by law, including bidding for the construction of the new State Audit Office building through e-bidding. Construction began in 2020 and continued until the building collapsed on March 28, 2025.

Thai Shareholders Surrender

On the same day, the three Thai directors and shareholders – Sophon, Prajuab, and Manat – surrendered at the DSI Deputy Director-General’s Office on Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok. Manat’s lawyer submitted clarification documents to investigators, briefly confirming that all three were genuine shareholders and denying the allegations against them.

SKY Is a Social Scapegoat?

Meanwhile, the Thai legal team for Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co., Ltd. (SKY) held a press conference at Rama Gardens Hotel, claiming the company has become a social scapegoat. They stated that the collection of steel samples from the collapsed building by Thai authorities and the subsequent announcement that the steel was substandard was unjustified, as the steel had already been used and was outside the scope of laboratory testing, making it impossible to measure against industry standards.

SKY insists their steel products meet ISO 9001 standards as required by law and the Board of Investment (BOI). They objected to implications that SKY is a Chinese “grey” company, noting that over the past five years (2019-2023), the company has paid 856 million baht in taxes with proper accounting.

xin ke yuan1 1 — Lawyers from Xin Ke Yuan Steel Company Limited held a press conference regarding the company’s steel product standards for the media at Leelawadee Room, Rama Gardens Hotel, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, on April 21, 2025.

Foreign Investment Impact

“While the Thai government invites foreign investment, the order to close the factory and revoke the investment license affects the investment climate. Whether SKY will withdraw all investments from Thailand is up to the company’s decision and cannot be answered by the legal team,” said lawyer Surasak Weerakul.

As of April 20 at 6:00 PM, according to the search and rescue team at the State Audit Office building site, there were 103 casualties, with 47 deaths, 9 injuries, and 47 people still trapped under the rubble.

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Thai-Chinese Company Denies Flouting Safety Measures in Probe of Skyscraper Collapse Following Quake

By

Associated Press

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21 April 2025, 18:38

xin ke yuan2 — Lawyers from Xin Ke Yuan Steel Company Limited held a press conference regarding the company's steel product standards for the media at Leelawadee Room, Rama Gardens Hotel, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, on April 21, 2025.

By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI

BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai-Chinese company denied Monday allegations its steel rods did not pass safety standard tests after nationwide criticism prompted an investigation into the collapse of a high-rise building under construction after an earthquake last month in Bangkok.

Authorities are probing Xin Ke Yuan Steel and another Chinese contractor involved in the construction to find out why the building crumbled following a quake centered in Myanmar, more than 800 miles (1,200 kilometers) away. It was the only building that completely collapsed that day.

The 7.7 magnitude quake on March 28 killed more than 3,700 in Myanmar, while in Thailand, 47 were killed, mostly at the collapse site, and 47 others went missing.

The collapse sparked questions about the enforcement of construction safety and the state-run Chinese contractor, China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group, leading to the arrest Saturday of its Chinese executive in Thailand, identified as Zhang, on suspicion of operating the business through the use of nominees.

AP25111408307931 — FILE – Soldiers from fire services spray water to settle the dust as heavy machineries are deployed to clear the rubble from an under construction high-rise building that collapsed after Friday’s earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File)

Foreigners can operate a business in Thailand, but it must be a joint venture with a Thai partner, and they cannot own more than 49% to protect local competitiveness.

Three Thai shareholders of the company are also wanted on suspicion of being the nominees, said officials of the Department of Special Investigation, Thailand’s equivalent of the FBI. They also said they were looking into the quality of the construction material and whether the company illegally fixed its bidding.

The company posted a video online last year advertising the building, meant to be a new office of the State Audit Office, with plenty of drone footage and boasting about the quality of the design, construction and management of the project.

Last week, a Thai engineer filed a police complaint saying that his name and signature were forged as a project controller in one of the construction plans. He denied any involvement in the project.

Xin Ke Yuan Steel, also partly owned by Chinese nationals, came under scrutiny over the quality of the steel rods they provided for the buildings. Its operating license is currently suspended following a fatal fire accident in December at its factory in Rayong province.

Industry Minister Akanat Promphan said two types of steel rods found at the collapse site did not pass safety standards and that Xin Ke Yuan supplied both. He raided the company’s factory on April 11 for evidence, saying that samples of the steel products confiscated by authorities following its December suspension have already failed two tests.

The company’s legal team disputed Monday the test results in a press conference, stressing that all of their products had passed safety tests and that they were being treated unfairly by authorities. They, however, declined to comment when asked specifically about the test results of the company’s steel rods found at the collapse site.

Earlier this month, the Revenue Department filed a complaint accusing Xin Ke Yuan of issuing over 7,000 false tax invoices. The company’s lawyers on Monday denied any wrongdoing.

The search for the missing workers is still ongoing, Thai authorities say.

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Health Ministry Responds to Thai Pavilion Criticism in World Expo Osaka

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Khaosod English

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21 April 2025, 16:58

BANGKOK — The organizers of the Thailand Pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan have addressed public criticism regarding $27 million budget, which some netizens considered excessive relative to the content presented.

Critics characterized it as having “private sector design with government content.”

The Ministry of Public Health, the host agency for this event, held a press conference on April 21 to clarify the situation. Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary for Public Health, explained that the $27 million (900-million-baht) budget is actually lower than the $36 million (1.2 billion baht) spent at the previous World Expo in Dubai five years ago, despite Japan’s high costs.

thai pavillion7 — Visitors to the World Expo in Osaka, Japan queue to watch an introductory video about Thailand in the Thai Pavilion on April 15, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Chumchan Chamniprasart)

Dr. Opas acknowledged that preparation was complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020, but emphasized that all processes followed Thai government regulations while also complying with Japan’s strict labor laws.

Regarding criticism about the content, Dr. Opas stated that the pavilion aims to showcase Thailand’s healthcare capabilities while also supporting economic growth through business matching opportunities, particularly promoting Thai massage as a potential revenue generator.

The pavilion, designed by A49 Architects, features a traditional Thai roof design with large glass walls. Its theme “Immunity” focuses on nature, lifestyle, culture, food, and health. Some visitors have suggested that the pavilion should emphasize modern health innovations and technology rather than historical elements, which they feel would better align with the expo’s future-oriented theme.

Since opening on April 13, the pavilion has welcomed approximately 10,000 visitors daily. Dr. Opas noted that while there has been criticism, there has also been substantial praise, especially from international visitors.

Officials expect to attract over 3 million visitors throughout the six-month expo, representing 10% of total attendance, which they believe will enhance Thailand’s reputation as an international health center.

thai pavillion8 — Thai herbal exhibition inside the Thai Pavilion, with some varieties available for visitors to smell. (KHAOSOD Photo/Chumchan Chamniprasart)

thai pavillion5 — Thai herbal exhibition inside the Thai Pavilion, with some varieties available for visitors to smell. (KHAOSOD Photo/Chumchan Chamniprasart)

Dr. Korkrit Limphasammut, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support, added that besides exhibitions, the pavilion offers daily demonstrations of Thai massage targeting office syndrome relief, showcasing this UNESCO-recognized practice.

He explained that this year’s Thailand Pavilion aligns with the World Expo’s theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” The pavilion showcases Thailand’s approach to creating fulfilling lives, happiness, and positioning the country as a global health center by connecting Thai cultural soft power with medical innovation, health, and wellness initiatives.

“Our content must address these challenges,” said Dr. Korkrit, noting that all exhibitions have been approved by the organizing team and will rotate monthly to maintain visitor interest. The official opening ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 24.

thai pavillion2 — A highlighted activity within the Thai Pavilion is Thai massage service, which is highly popular among visitors. (Photo courtesy of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine)

thai pavillion6 — Thai food introduction corner, offering not only descriptions of health benefits but also tasting opportunities for visitors.

thai pavillion4 — Shopping corner for various products containing Thai herbs, displayed in a section built with natural materials. (KHAOSOD Photo/Chumchan Chamniprasart)

Addressing procurement concerns, Dr. Korkrit outlined the project timeline: On December 20, 2022, the Cabinet approved the budget and implementation plan, followed by the March 14, 2023 approval of $26 million (867.88 million baht), with the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) designated as the implementing agency.

The bidding process required three announcements due to various inquiries and inspections. RMA110 Company ultimately won with a bid of $25.8 million (862 million baht), slightly under budget. Rightman Company, which previously organized Thailand’s exhibition in Italy in 2015, was involved as part of a joint bid.

thai pavillion16 — Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health (left), Dr. Korkrit Limphasammut, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support (center), and Mr. Uppatham Nisitsukcharoen, Executive Director of Rightman Company Ltd. and the RMA110 joint venture, at a press conference at the Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, regarding the Thai Pavilion at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, on April 21, 2025.

Dr. Korkrit clarified that due to documentation complexities, DHSS decided to work with only one of the companies rather than maintaining a formal joint venture structure, contradicting media reports that suggested impropriety in the process.

At the press conference, Mr. Uppatham Nisitsukcharoen, executive director representing both Rightman Company and the RMA110 joint venture, presented the exhibition procurement contract to the media. The contract, complete with tax identification information, confirms that all exhibition construction falls under the operational framework agreed upon with the Department of Health Service Support.

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