Bangkok: The recent collapse of a Chinese-built office tower in Bangkok has intensified negative perceptions regarding China's growing business presence in Thailand, putting the government's friendly stance towards Beijing under scrutiny, as reported by Radio Free Asia (RFA).
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the building's collapse, which resulted in several construction workers being trapped, following a significant 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit Myanmar on Friday and was felt across the region. This was the only high-rise in Bangkok to succumb to the disaster. Initial assessments of materials from the site indicated the use of substandard steel, according to RFA.
This event may exacerbate the prevailing discontent among residents, who believe that Chinese investments and enterprises do not provide them with tangible benefits.
"Only one building has collapsed," stated Industry Minister Akanat Promphan to the press, stressing that he was not jumping to conclusions about the cause of the incident, as noted by RFA.
"I believe the public can ascertain the reason for its collapse," Akanat remarked, having previously expressed concerns about what seems to be a broader problem with defective Chinese industrial products in Thailand, as reported by RFA.
China emerged as the top foreign investor in Thailand for the first time in 2019, overtaking Japan, which had held this position for many years, and maintained this status in 2023, according to Thailand's investment promotion agency.
The surge of Chinese investment in Thailand was partly influenced by U.S. tariffs on Chinese exports implemented during Trump's first term. RFA notes that this strategy to circumvent tariffs may now face uncertainty following President Donald Trump's announcement of extensive new tariffs affecting nearly all countries, including a 36% duty on goods from Thailand.
The Chinese embassy in Bangkok emphasized that its overseas companies are required to conduct their operations legally and contribute positively to society, according to RFA.
A spokesperson for the embassy stated, as reported by RFA, "China is fully supportive of Thailand's needs and encourages relevant Chinese businesses to fully cooperate with the Thai government during the investigation of this matter. We are confident that the Thai government's inquiry will produce fair and scientifically valid results."
