Bangkok: The collapse of the State Audit Office building has prompted Dr. Atthawich Suwannaphakdee, an MP from the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, to advocate for urgent reforms in the country's steel standards. Dr. Atthawich highlighted that the incident serves as a critical warning sign, underscoring the need for significant changes in the way steel is produced and regulated in Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Atthawich revealed the outcomes of a recent meeting held by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI). The meeting concluded with a pivotal decision to enhance steel standards by gradually eliminating the use of induction furnaces (IF) for producing reinforcing steel bars used in high-rise buildings. The decision mandates the use of a "melting furnace" to ensure and improve the quality of steel, aligning with proposals that Dr. Atthawich previously submitted to the Industrial Committee.
The reliance of IF furnace technology on the quality of scrap metal has been identified as a significant risk, as low-quality raw materials adversely affect the steel's quality. Random quality checks have shown a higher likelihood of steel from IF furnaces failing to meet standards compared to other furnace types. IF furnaces are deemed more appropriate for smelting high-purity metals like stainless steel rather than reinforcing steel bars made from domestic scrap metal.
Dr. Atthawich expressed gratitude to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, the Secretary-General of TISI, and related committees for their commitment to advancing this issue. He urged Ministry of Industry civil servants to act decisively, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity against financial pressures from large corporations. He stressed that raising steel standards is crucial for public safety and the structural integrity of high-rise buildings nationwide, referencing the State Audit Office building's collapse as a vital lesson for reform.
Acknowledging the potential impact on large steel industry groups, particularly the 11 IF steel plants in Thailand with Chinese investment ties, Dr. Atthawich clarified that the proposed measures are not trade barriers but necessary steps to uphold Thai steel quality and public safety.
The resolution is currently subject to a 30-day public consultation period before it can be enacted as a regulation, allowing for potential amendments. Dr. Atthawich called on the media, government officials, and the public to support and closely monitor the process.