The recent collapse of the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) building has sparked significant concern and scrutiny in Thailand, particularly regarding the quality of construction materials used in the structure. On April 11, 2025, the Ministry of Industry, led by Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, will conduct an in-depth investigation into the standards of steel utilized in the building's construction and the operations of Sino-Core Ehyun Steel, the company under scrutiny.
Minister Ekniti announced the upcoming investigation during a press conference, emphasizing the urgency of the matter due to public safety concerns. "We will collect samples of the steel from Sino-Core once again to ensure compliance with safety standards," he stated. This decision comes after multiple inspections revealed irregularities in the steel quality supplied by the company, raising alarms about potential risks in other buildings as well.
The Ministry has previously seized non-compliant steel materials from seven factories across Thailand, including four foreign and three domestic producers, with a total value exceeding 361 million baht. This crackdown, which began in late 2024, aims to uphold the integrity of construction materials used throughout the country.
In a related effort, the Standard Manufacturing Office (SMO) has been tasked with evaluating whether Sino-Core has cooperated with the investigations as mandated by the Industrial Standards Act. Ekniti highlighted that the company has been uncooperative, providing limited information regarding the sale of problematic steel lots. "They claimed not to have sold directly to the NACC project, which leaves us without vital information," he explained.
Moreover, the Minister addressed the criticism surrounding the use of Induction Furnace (IF) steel, a technology criticized for its quality. He has instructed the SMO to explore either amending or abolishing the current standards for this type of steel to enhance safety and product consistency in the future.
In the wake of the building collapse, General Sanoh Thienthong, Deputy Minister of Finance, has also emphasized the government's commitment to transparency in the investigation. He assured reporters that the Revenue Department is actively pursuing tax audits against large corporations suspected of tax evasion, including Sino-Core. On April 11, the department will commence its investigations into these allegations.
General Sanoh reiterated the importance of maintaining public trust, stating, "We will not overlook any potential violations and will ensure that our investigations are thorough and transparent." He acknowledged the challenges faced by the Revenue Department, particularly in light of the recent collapse, which has raised questions about the integrity of the construction industry.
As investigations continue, General Sanoh noted that the Ministry of Finance is collaborating closely with the Customs Department to ensure all relevant data is collected and analyzed. "Our aim is to foster integrity and accountability within the industry," he said.
In light of the building's collapse, there have been calls for greater scrutiny of the NACC's operations and the individuals involved in its oversight. General Sanoh stated that the NACC has not been complacent in addressing these concerns. "We are awaiting the results of the investigation initiated by the Prime Minister, which will provide essential information for our official announcements," he explained.
General Sanoh also addressed rumors linking the incident to foreign companies and military personnel, firmly denying any misconduct or impropriety. "I know some of the individuals mentioned due to my past military service, but I assure you that there is no connection to this incident," he remarked.
As the investigations unfold, the NACC's leadership is under scrutiny, with many questioning the accountability of the agency in light of the tragic collapse. General Sanoh emphasized that all parties involved must adhere to the law and that any necessary adjustments to regulations will be considered to prevent future incidents.
In a public statement, General Sanoh expressed his condolences to the families affected by the collapse, stating, "We are deeply saddened by this event and are committed to uncovering the truth. We will cooperate with all stakeholders to ensure justice is served." He reiterated the importance of transparency and integrity in all governmental operations.
As the nation awaits the results of the investigations, the Ministry of Industry and the Revenue Department are poised to take decisive action against any entities found to be in violation of safety or tax regulations. The outcomes of these inquiries will likely have far-reaching implications for the construction industry and regulatory practices in Thailand.
The upcoming investigations into Sino-Core and the quality of construction materials are critical not only for public safety but also for restoring confidence in the regulatory systems designed to protect citizens. As Minister Ekniti stated, "We have a responsibility to ensure that all materials used in construction meet the highest standards to safeguard our communities." The public will be watching closely as these investigations progress, eager for accountability and assurance that such tragedies will not be repeated.
