Bangkok: Minister of Industry Ekkanat Promphan visited the site of a building collapse to collect steel samples for testing, expressing his shock upon seeing the materials. The initiative aims to determine whether the steel used in the construction met the required standards, as the cause of the collapse remains under investigation.
According to Thai News Agency, the Minister stated that multiple factors could have contributed to the building's collapse, including potential deviations from the construction plan and substandard materials. He highlighted past incidents where products with the TIS certification were found to be of poor quality, prompting the need for a thorough examination of the steel used in this project. The Prime Minister has directed the Department of Public Works to lead the investigation, with the Ministry of Industry participating in the process.
Officials identified six types of steel at the site, including ribbed and round steel, sourced from various manufacturers. Most steel came from a single manufacturer, but some were identified from three different brands. All collected samples will be sent to the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand for examination, with the media and public invited to witness the transparency of the process. The results will determine if the steel meets quality standards.
One type of steel remains unaccounted for, and officials are cautious about dismantling further due to potential interference with rescue operations. Minister Ekkanat refrained from making premature accusations but acknowledged observing irregularities in the steel's size and origin. He emphasized the importance of verifying whether the materials meet required standards before drawing conclusions. Once the investigation is complete, findings will be presented to a fact-finding committee.
Should any manufacturer's steel be found substandard, the factory could face serious repercussions, including a halt in operations and the revocation of its TIS license. Legal action may also be pursued, ensuring accountability and safety in future construction projects.