Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail Steel Passes Quality Tests Amid Safety Concerns
BANGKOK – April 7, 2025 — In response to public safety concerns following the March 28 Myanmar earthquake, which led to the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has confirmed that steel used in the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project meets all engineering and safety standards.
The spotlight has been on Contract 3-1, a key segment of the 252.3-kilometre high-speed route connecting Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, which includes the Kaeng Koi–Klang Dong and Phang Asoke–Bandai Ma sections. This portion is being constructed by the Italian-Thai Development and China Railway No.10 Engineering Group Co Joint Venture — the same companies involved in building the collapsed SAO building in Chatuchak district.
Intensive Inspections and Steel Testing
SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala said the agency accelerated structural inspections of the high-speed rail site, deploying expert engineers to check for any signs of cracks or earthquake-related damage.
“The structure is built to withstand seismic vibrations and has shown no evidence of damage,” he stated.
In addition to on-site checks, the Railway Transport Department, the Thai Industrial Standards Institute, and the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand collaborated with SRT to perform lab testing on steel samples taken from depots in Muak Lek and Thap Kwang. Tests included assessments of:
- Yield and tensile strength
- Elongation capacity
- Bending resistance
- Chemical composition
All samples passed, confirming the materials are safe for use in railway infrastructure.
Assuring Public Confidence
Governor Veeris emphasized rigorous quality control procedures across the entire construction process:
“From factory testing to on-site inspections, only approved steel makes it into the build. Our supervisors monitor each step to guarantee compliance with all safety and quality protocols.”
The SRT’s reassurances aim to bolster public trust in one of Thailand’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, especially after the high-profile collapse of a building linked to one of the same contractors.
About the Project
- The Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail line is a joint Thai-Chinese initiative spanning 252.3km.
- Contract 3-1 is one of 10 major contracts, awarded via public bidding.
- Construction on this segment is expected to take approximately three years.
Authorities will continue monitoring structural safety and material integrity, especially in light of regional seismic risks.
