Chinese Men Caught Stealing Documents From Bangkok Building Collapse Site After Myanmar Earthquake

Amid the ongoing investigation into the collapse of a high-rise building in Bangkok following last week's powerful earthquake in Myanmar, four Chinese nationals have been detained for attempting to steal sensitive documents from the disaster site.

According to The Nation Thailand, the men were caught illegally entering the restricted area and removing over 30 files from the site. The collapsed building was part of a Chinese-backed construction project and was the only high-rise in Bangkok to be severely affected by the 7.7 magnitude quake. It crumbled within seconds, trapping dozens of people under the debris and raising concerns over construction safety standards.

Police Confirm Recovery of Stolen Documents

Bangkok Police Major General Nopasin Poolswat confirmed to local media that the four men were found taking 32 files from the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building. Authorities had designated the site as a restricted area, barring any unauthorized entry. However, police received reports of individuals removing documents from the scene.

One of the detainees, who possessed a valid work permit, claimed to be a project manager for a construction firm involved in the project. The other three were later discovered, and the stolen documents-including blueprints and other crucial paperwork-were recovered.

The men defended their actions, stating that they were subcontractors for the construction company and had retrieved the documents to assist in filing claims. Despite their explanation, Thai authorities charged them with violating public safety regulations by entering a disaster zone and removing sensitive materials.

Scrutiny on Chinese Construction Firm

The collapse of the high-rise, which was backed by a Chinese company, has intensified scrutiny of the firm's role in past structural failures and safety violations. The incident has sparked debates over construction safety protocols, the management of sensitive information, and adherence to emergency regulations at disaster sites.

Rising Death Toll in Myanmar

Meanwhile, the death toll from Myanmar's earthquake continues to rise. Foreign aid and rescue teams have rushed in to assist as hospitals struggle to handle the influx of injured victims. In some areas, local communities are leading rescue efforts with limited resources, highlighting the severe impact of the disaster.