The Thai government is intensifying efforts to fortify international confidence following the unsettling March 28 earthquake, a movement spearheaded by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Making her presence felt at the launch ceremony of the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Centre in One Bangkok, PM Shinawatra addressed burgeoning worries about the collapse of the newly constructed State Audit Office building. This mishap, she clarified, stemmed from specific technical errors exclusive to the ill-fated building.
Assuring the global community, the 38-year-old Prime Minister emphasized that other structures in the vibrant city of Bangkok adhere to earthquake-resistant standards. “They are as safe as they come,” she assured, exuding confidence that does not waiver. She further underscored Thailand’s resolute commitment to rejuvenating its image and restoring public trust, elaborating on the rigorous investigation currently probing the approval, design, and construction materials of the project.
Adding to this wave of reassurance, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by Industry Minister Akanat Promphan, are rolling up their sleeves to examine the integrity of the construction materials used. The science of scrutiny is underway as samples have already been dispatched for analysis, with preliminary insights expected in mere days.
Meanwhile, Bangkok’s affable Governor Chadchart Sittipunt delivered some optimistic tidings, stating that the city’s heartbeat has returned to its familiar rhythm, with traffic humming along major expressways and metro corridors. However, there’s still a slight hitch with minor congestion near the collapsed site in Chatuchak district and crane removal operations in the awakened Bang Sue district.
Even as over 13,000 building inspections cascade across the city, most reveal mere surface blemishes — minor wall cracks — but a stark reality lingers as two structures have been deemed unsafe, displacing approximately 2,000 residents. Rapid response measures are in motion with temporary shelters springing up, supported by corporate infrastructure and government goodwill.
In the aftermath of this challenging event, Italian-Thai Development PCL (ITD), part of the ITD-CREC joint venture responsible for the collapsed building, has expressed profound regret. The company has pledged unreserved cooperation with investigators and vowed ample compensation for the affected families and those sustained injuries. Furthermore, ITD stands firmly behind the safety of their ongoing construction ventures, as reported by the Bangkok Post.
Lingering in the corridors of speculation is whether ITD will find itself on the government’s blacklist, a notion that Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has left curiously unanswered. Yet, he did hint at the consideration of criminal charges lurking on the horizon.
In the broader tableau of stories capturing Thailand’s pulse, the air in Pattaya heated up as a drunken guard instigated chaos by assaulting a transwoman, while unsettling reports emerged of a woman in Lampang succumbing tragically after swallowing dentures at a bustling market.
As Thailand navigates these stirring tides, a new contest emerges on Phuket’s political front with vibrant mayoral election campaigns, while the tourism sector raises its voice, nudging the government to underscore the safety of its lodgings. In these times, where the ground beneath may tremble, Thailand’s spirit remains unyielding, marching forward with resilience and rejuvenation.
I can’t believe the government is acting like one failed building doesn’t cause concern for others. Accidents happen, sure, but shouldn’t this be a wake-up call?
Indeed, Joe. This incident should prompt a comprehensive review of building regulations across Bangkok. We must ensure this doesn’t happen again.
Regulations won’t matter if there’s still corruption in sign-off and inspection processes. We need transparency!
Exactly, the system’s broken. Transparency and accountability need a complete overhaul!
It’s encouraging to see immediate government response post-earthquake. Building safety inspections are crucial but so is making sure displaced residents are supported.
I agree. I hope the temporary shelters really are comfortable and safe for families who lost their homes.
Anyone else worried about ITD’s future projects? They’ve messed up a lot, and not sure if they’re on the blacklist or not.
ITD should definitely face some restrictions until they prove they’re committed to higher safety standards.
Companies like ITD need to be punished to set a precedent for others in the industry!
Agree, Sam! Without consequences, complacency remains. Safety must come first!
Shame on the leadership for trying to deflect blame. People could have lost their lives in that collapse!
Paetongtarn Shinawatra is still relatively new in leadership. I’m hopeful she addresses these issues robustly.
How is this affecting the environment? Construction sites are already bad for local ecosystems, and now there’s more mess to clean up.
The situation’s tangled but hats off to our Governor’s positive news. Bangkok’s resilience shines through!
Concern lies also in the root of why this specific building failed. Earthquake standards were supposedly met?
That’s the issue, isn’t it? Standards on paper mean nothing if execution fails.
True Andy, there’s a gap between regulation and practical application. Let’s hope for thorough investigations.
A missed opportunity to rebuild with sustainable materials. Future-proofing should be a standard by now.
Love how they’re trying to push the tourism safety narrative amidst all this chaos. Such irony!
Haha, exactly! Need to ensure the people’s safety first—tourists demand trust, not false facades.
The scrutiny of materials is reassuring but let’s see if the follow-up actions match the rhetoric!
I hope this doesn’t discourage international investors. Thailand is more than a single mishap, it’s a growing power!
True, but investor confidence is fragile. They need reassurance of Thailand’s long-term stability.
Events like this make me appreciate the little things, like getting some pad thai without worries.
I’m not convinced by the ‘spirited forward’ narrative. We need concrete actions and visible changes.
The government’s dedication to lake safety will really show in time. Let’s hold them accountable!
Guilty parties must face the consequences, including the possible blacklist of offending contractors like ITD.