A prominent Thai tycoon and a Chinese construction company have been formally charged in connection with a deadly building collapse in Bangkok that claimed multiple lives and left dozens injured.
The charges, announced by Thailand’s Office of the Attorney-General on Monday, follow a months-long investigation into the partial collapse of a high-rise development in the capital earlier this year. The incident, which occurred in March, saw concrete slabs and scaffolding plunge several floors during construction, trapping workers beneath the rubble.
At least 14 people were killed, including both Thai nationals and migrant labourers from neighbouring countries. Rescue workers spent days sifting through debris to recover victims, while survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals with severe injuries.
Prosecutors allege that the project’s owner, a billionaire Thai property developer whose name has not been publicly released pending trial, and the Chinese firm contracted to manage the build, ignored safety regulations, used substandard materials, and failed to implement proper structural safeguards.
“The evidence clearly shows negligence and a breach of construction safety laws, leading to tragic loss of life,” said Deputy Attorney-General Somsak Methaphan. “Those responsible will face justice.”
The case has sparked outrage in Thailand, with labour rights groups highlighting long-standing concerns over safety standards in the country’s booming construction sector. Critics say corners are often cut to save costs, putting workers particularly undocumented migrants at severe risk.
The Chinese company involved has denied wrongdoing, insisting that it complied with all contractual obligations and safety checks. Lawyers for the Thai tycoon have similarly pledged to contest the charges, calling the collapse a “tragic accident” rather than criminal negligence.
If convicted, both the individual and corporate defendants could face substantial fines, lengthy prison sentences, and a ban from undertaking future projects in Thailand.
The trial is expected to draw significant public and media attention, with victims’ families demanding accountability and systemic reform to prevent future tragedies.