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Investigators have found at least one substandard steel sample in the 30-story State Audit Office building that collapsed in Bangkok during the earthquake.
Investigators have found at least one substandard steel sample among the structural steel bars used in the construction of the 30-story State Audit Office (SAO) building in Chatuchak district that collapsed in the earthquake on the afternoon of March 28, leaving many people injured, dead and missing.
After the building collapse, the Thai Ministry of Industry brought steel samples from the rubble to the Thai Iron and Steel Institute for testing.
Announcing the preliminary results on March 31, Ms. Thitipas Chotedechachainan, Assistant to Industry Minister Akanat Promphan, said that one of three steel samples from a Chinese factory located in Rayong province, eastern Thailand, did not meet the standards.
Ms Thitipas added that the factory had been ordered to close in December last year following an inspection by the Ministry of Industry and that the steel used in the construction may have been purchased before the inspection. The building was built about five years ago.
According to the Assistant Secretary of Industry, no problems were found with steel samples from the other two companies. However, she confirmed that the working group was ready to inspect the companies' factories if any problems arose related to steel quality.
Ms. Thitipas noted that the investigation is focusing on the quality of products such as steel bars, electrical wires and rubber.
The inspections are also aimed at preventing dumping of international products and protecting domestic producers.
Referring to seven factories established by both Thai and foreign entities, mostly from China, that have been inspected so far, Ms. Thitipas warned that even if some companies close down, shareholders and importers could still be prosecuted.
TH (according to VNA)