A Chinese-backed construction firm is under investigation following the collapse of a 30-story under-construction high-rise during a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday. The building, part of a project in Chatuchak District, Bangkok, crumbled in seconds, trapping dozens of people under the debris.
On Sunday, Thai police detained four Chinese nationals for unlawfully entering the disaster site to retrieve documents from the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building. These individuals were caught removing 32 files from the wreckage, despite the site being declared a restricted disaster zone by the Bangkok Governor.
Police Major General Nopasin Poolswat confirmed that the detained men, who claimed to be subcontractors, were working with a joint venture between a Chinese firm and Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited, the project's primary contractor. The documents they were retrieving were reportedly needed for an insurance claim.
After questioning, the four men were temporarily released, but the authorities filed a formal complaint against them for violating the public announcement and removing sensitive documents from the site. Investigations continue into the actions of the subcontractors and their employer, with further legal action expected.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)