Bangkok Tower Collapse Linked to Substandard Steel

The transcription below features news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, as presented in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex and Jay. Highlights include the Bangkok tower collapse linked to substandard steel and the miraculous rescue of a pregnant woman after 91 hours trapped in Myanmar’s earthquake rubble.

1. Bangkok Tower Collapse Linked to Substandard Steel
Investigators blame substandard steel from a Chinese-owned factory for the March 28 Bangkok tower collapse, which killed 12. Authorities are probing the steel’s origin and the construction joint venture ITD-CREC.

2. PM Assures Public on Bangkok Building Safety
PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra says the Bangkok tower collapse was an isolated incident, not a widespread risk. A full investigation is underway, with 13,000 inspections revealing only two unsafe buildings.

3. Phuket Speedboat Explosion Injures Six
A speedboat explosion near Koh Mai Thon, Phuket, injured six people, including foreign tourists. Officials promise a full investigation and stricter safety measures for Thailand’s boats.

4. Drunk Guard Attacks Transwoman in Pattaya
A drunken security guard allegedly assaulted a transwoman on Pattaya Beach, smashing a beer bottle over her head. Police arrested two suspects and are reviewing video evidence.

5. Israeli Man Arrested for Assaulting Finnish Tourist
Police arrested an Israeli man at Phuket Airport for allegedly assaulting a Finnish tourist in Koh Samui. Authorities detained him as he attempted to flee Thailand.

6. Bangkok, Airbnb Provide Free Housing for Quake Victims
Bangkok and Airbnb.org are offering 2,000 free nights of accommodation for earthquake victims and rescue workers. Over 200 people have already received aid.

7. AI Earthquake Hoaxes Mislead Millions
Fake AI-generated videos of Myanmar’s deadly earthquake are spreading online, misleading millions. Experts urge users to verify content as AI-driven misinformation grows.

8. China Censors Talk of Bangkok Tower Collapse
China is deleting online discussions about a Chinese-built Bangkok skyscraper that collapsed during Myanmar’s quake, raising concerns over Chinese-led construction projects.

9. Cambodia Delays 2025 Work Permits for Foreigners
Cambodia has postponed issuing 2025 work permits until April 30, 2025, due to a backlog. Foreign workers must apply online before the deadline to avoid fines.

10. Pregnant Woman Rescued After 91 Hours in Myanmar Rubble
Rescuers saved a pregnant woman trapped for 91 hours after Myanmar’s earthquake. In Bangkok, search teams continue working at a collapsed tower, where 13 are confirmed dead.