The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has banned the use of heat-treated steel, commonly known as “T-steel,” in its high-rise construction projects until a comprehensive quality inspection is completed, according to a source.
This scrutiny was prompted by the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in the Chatuchak district during an earthquake on March 28, leading the BMA’s Public Works Department to halt the use of this type of steel.
In an internal memo dated April 9, the department instructed the construction supervision division that heat-treated steel or steel produced by induction furnaces should not be utilized in any BMA high-rise projects. If this material is already being used, the division must provide detailed reports outlining where it is implemented within the structures.
The decision reflects growing concerns regarding the quality of structural materials. The department plans to take further action based on the findings of the ongoing examination.
In related developments, Pol Col Thitipong Piwatwutthikul, deputy chief of Metropolitan Police Division 2, reported that evidence collection, including construction materials from the site, is being conducted systematically for forensic analysis. Materials are being evaluated by various institutions, such as King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology and the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand. Preliminary results have been included in the ongoing investigation report, and he assured that the evidence-gathering process will not impede rescue operations.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that the Comptroller General’s Department has provisionally approved an increase in funeral aid from 20,000 baht to 100,000 baht for each victim. An emergency fund of 200 million baht has also been authorized for post-earthquake recovery efforts.
Furthermore, the Board of Investment has temporarily revoked incentives for a Chinese steel manufacturer, Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co., which supplied materials for the construction of the collapsed State Audit Office building in Bangkok. This decision to rescind the company’s investment privileges was made during a board meeting led by Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira on Friday, effective until further notice.
