Steel Factory Raided Following Bangkok Building Collapse
BANGKOK, Thailand — Thai authorities raided a Chinese-owned steel factory in Rayong province following revelations that substandard materials from the plant were used in the State Audit Office (SAO) building collapse in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.
The Department of Industrial Works’ “Sud Soi” team, under the Industry Ministry, led the April 11 operation at Xin Ke Yuan (SKY) Steel Ltd, after the company missed an April 10 deadline to submit documentation on its steel production process.
Tests conducted by the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand revealed that SKY’s 32mm and 20mm deformed steel bars used in the collapsed structure failed to meet national safety standards. SKY has disputed the results, but officials are proceeding with the investigation.
During the raid, officials — in collaboration with the DSI and CIB — confiscated several server computers and found CCTV systems had been disabled, prompting suspicions of evidence tampering. Approximately 40 migrant workers were also found onsite, and their documentation is now under review for potential labor law violations.
Authorities are also investigating the whereabouts of 2,441 tonnes of steel, valued at 50.1 million baht, previously seized when the factory was shut down in December 2024.
Officials are working to determine whether this steel was used in other construction projects across Thailand.
