Bangkok: "Dr. Ae" visited the Rama 2 area and suspects there's a problem with the equipment. Dr. Ae, formally known as Professor Dr. Suchatvee Suwansawat, leader of the Thai Kao Mai Party and former president of the Council of Engineers and the Engineering Institute of Thailand, visited the site of a crane collapse on Rama 2 Road. The incident involved a crane working on the elevated expressway (Motorway M82) section 7, located on Rama 2 Road outbound, before the bridge over the Tha Chin River, in Samut Sakhon Province.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Ae sketched a diagram to simulate the incident and determine the cause of the crane collapse. He found that each beam supporting the crane weighed 40 tons, and it is estimated that around 12-13 beams fell during the incident, totaling nearly 500 tons. He questioned the maintenance and inspection history of the crane, suggesting that if the crane had been regularly maintained, it should have been able to handle the weight. Dr. Ae further speculated that the crane might have been faulty or substandard, similar to a previous crane collapse in Sikhiu District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
Dr. Ae expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, emphasizing that no Thai person should die in vain. He highlighted that the incident may have resulted from incompetent personnel and faulty equipment, pointing out the lack of accountability and evidence collection. Dr. Ae criticized the subcontracting system, which often leaves subcontractors with minimal resources, leading to potential safety risks.
He also addressed the order by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, to halt construction of elevated roads nationwide. Dr. Ae mentioned that this measure affects honest people and proposed stopping the use of cranes similar to the one involved in the collapse. He argued that corruption and price undercutting in the construction industry lead to the use of substandard equipment.
Dr. Ae further criticized the effectiveness of the blacklisting system for construction companies, stating that it is merely a superficial measure. He cited Japan's approach of "company execution" through bankruptcy proceedings and criminal prosecution as a more effective deterrent. Dr. Ae called for the establishment of an independent body to investigate such incidents and ensure accountability.
He questioned the contractor performance review system, which involves demotion and point deductions, suggesting that it should be abolished. Dr. Ae emphasized the need for a responsible party to oversee these matters and ensure accountability, advocating for stronger evidence collection and a neutral party to enforce laws effectively.