In a significant development following the recent earthquake that caused the collapse of a government building, the joint venture ITD-CREC has issued a second statement reaffirming its commitment to transparency and safety in construction practices. The earthquake, which struck on March 28, 2025, led to the tragic collapse of the Office of the Auditor General building, resulting in casualties and injuries. In their latest statement, ITD-CREC expressed deep condolences to the families affected and pledged to cooperate fully with authorities to investigate the incident.
According to ITD-CREC's statement released on April 2, 2025, the joint venture has adhered strictly to the Terms of Reference (TOR) and engineering standards throughout the procurement and construction processes. They emphasized that all materials used in the project were sourced according to technical specifications and underwent rigorous quality checks before being utilized on-site. The company has also committed to participating actively in rescue operations and providing humanitarian assistance to those impacted by the disaster.
ITD-CREC's swift response includes working closely with government agencies to analyze the cause of the building's collapse. "We are not ignoring the gravity of this incident and are fully prepared to assist in the rescue efforts from the outset," the statement read. The company also reassured the public that the procurement of construction materials was conducted in compliance with relevant laws and engineering practices.
Chawalit Thanomthin, CEO of Wright Tunneling Co., Ltd., also addressed concerns regarding the structural integrity of ongoing construction projects in the wake of the earthquake. He confirmed that a team of expert engineers is conducting thorough inspections to ensure all projects remain safe and meet engineering standards. "We understand the public's concerns after the earthquake and are committed to continuous inspections to ensure the safety and stability of our constructions," he stated.
The Department of Highways has taken a proactive role in overseeing two major construction projects, which include residential buildings for judicial officials. On April 2, 2025, it was confirmed that the materials and construction quality for these projects meet established standards. These projects, part of the Orange Line extension, are being executed by China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) Co., Ltd., in collaboration with other contractors.
The judicial office has stated that both projects are under strict supervision, ensuring compliance with engineering norms and standards. They highlighted that materials used in the construction are subject to approval and must meet quality benchmarks set by relevant authorities. Inspections have shown that all materials, including concrete and steel reinforcements, have passed necessary tests and meet industrial standards.
As the situation unfolds, the Department of Highways is keen on expediting the inspection processes for all ongoing projects to ensure they are completed safely and efficiently. They are also considering the potential implications of the earthquake on construction timelines, with some projects reportedly facing delays. For instance, the construction progress has been recorded at 83.97% for one project, while another stands at 20.67%, with both experiencing significant delays.
On April 3, 2025, the Department of Highways acknowledged that if contractors fail to meet the stipulated timelines, they may seek new bids to complete the projects, ensuring that standards are maintained and public safety is prioritized.
The joint venture ITD-CREC has also been under scrutiny regarding its compliance with procurement laws. Following the earthquake, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is reviewing three legal aspects related to the incident, focusing on potential issues of nominee bidding and procurement malpractice. The DSI's involvement underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the aftermath of the building collapse.
In summary, as investigations continue, both ITD-CREC and Wright Tunneling are working diligently to uphold safety standards and transparency in their operations. They are committed to restoring public trust and ensuring that construction practices adhere to the highest engineering principles. The emphasis on quality control and adherence to regulations will be critical in the coming weeks as the affected communities seek answers and support.
As the situation develops, stakeholders are urged to remain patient as comprehensive investigations are conducted to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the earthquake and the subsequent building collapse. The commitment from construction firms and government agencies to uphold safety and quality in infrastructure development remains a priority.
