Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visits the site where a construction crane fell onto a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has taken decisive action, ordering the termination of two contracts with Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD) following recent crane collapses that resulted in over 30 fatalities. Speaking at Government House, Anutin made it a priority to address the alarming safety issues, directing the Ministry of Transport to cancel contracts and initiate legal proceedings against the company.

The incidents have raised significant public concern, with the Prime Minister underlining the necessity for quick intervention to restore public confidence and reassure foreign investors. Mr Anutin noted a concerning pattern of accidents linked to ITD, including a notable incident involving the collapse of the State Audit Office building. These repeated accidents have prompted an immediate and robust response from the government.

The Prime Minister, who also leads the Bhumaithai Party, stressed the importance of accountability. He stated the state's responsibility to ensure safety and compensate for losses while seeking damages from negligent contractors. His emphasis was on enhancing safety standards in future projects. This statement echoes his comments concerning a crane accident on a high-speed rail project in Nakhon Ratchasima province, where work was nearly complete.

Following the recent tragedies, including a crane collapse onto a moving train in Sikhio that killed 32 and injured 64, followed by another fatal accident in Samut Sakhon, the Prime Minister confirmed that the contracts would indeed be terminated. A new contractor will be appointed with a focus on ensuring public safety as work continues to finish the high-speed rail project, reported the Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways:

• Prime Minister orders the termination of ITD contracts due to safety concerns.

• Government acts swiftly to reassure the public and foreign investors.

• A new contractor was appointed for the high-speed rail project in response to accidents.

Related Stories:

Multiple Deaths After Crane Collapses Onto Passenger Train

Construction Crane Collapses on Rama 2, at least 1 Dead

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-16

 

 

Wow, that's a bit of a change - some pro active decisions for once, anyone would think there's an election coming up soon.

The black leopard strikes back !

It appears to be a knee-jerk reaction to appease the public and assure them that Thai trains and construction cranes are safe. It was likely a good ride for someone in the fleecing of public safety.

18 minutes ago, NedR69 said:

It appears to be a knee-jerk reaction to appease the public

It was the right decision, or do you think they should be allowed to continue?

The government made a good decision based on years of evidence against ItalTha.

Why do I get the sneaky feeling they will set up a new company to take up the new contract?

24 minutes ago, Purdey said:

The government made a good decision based on years of evidence against ItalTha.

Why do I get the sneaky feeling they will set up a new company to take up the new contract?

Or could the Italian-Thai contracts move to Sino-Thai?

Right thing to do to Ital-Thai, but it will leave thousands of Thai workers out of a job until a replacement company is found/created.

"Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has taken decisive action, ordering the termination of two contracts with Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD) following recent crane collapses that resulted in over 30 fatalities."

Question - how many contracts does the government have with ITD?

My guess it could easily be a dozen or so.

48 minutes ago, sungod said:

It was the right decision, or do you think they should be allowed to continue?

I think something had to be done, however. I think a thorough investigation must be done to be certain that the ITD is the root cause of the multiple deadly construction crane mishaps.

25 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

Or could the Italian-Thai contracts move to Sino-Thai?

It just happens that Sino Thai is owned by Khun Anutin’s family and are Italian Thai’s main competitor in Thailand.

I can't believe this. This is the 'land of compromise,' and I doubt any real action will be taken. Sadly, it’s just the usual noise that follows.

1 hour ago, NedR69 said:

It appears to be a knee-jerk reaction to appease the public and assure them that Thai trains and construction cranes are safe. It was likely a good ride for someone in the fleecing of public safety.

Why is it a knee-jerk reaction? Two crane accidents in 24h, and same company is contracted for both sites. What´s good here, is that this time they actually do something about it.

28 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

Or could the Italian-Thai contracts move to Sino-Thai?

Yes, why not? Whoever can do the work without accidents and fatalities.

6 minutes ago, NedR69 said:

I think something had to be done, however. I think a thorough investigation must be done to be certain that the ITD is the root cause of the multiple deadly construction crane mishaps.

Why would that be necessary? Do you think it´s a terrorist attack? it´s quite clear and simple. They have the contract, and are responsible for everything that happens on site and with their equipment,

Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has taken decisive action, ordering the termination of two contracts with Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD) following recent crane collapses that resulted in over 30 fatalities.

Hit them hard in the pocket to compensate for the fatalities and injuries...

Hit them hard for the costs to the raail/train operators.

Then jail the Bosses..

1 hour ago, sungod said:

It was the right decision, or do you think they should be allowed to continue?

Absolutely the right thing... do nothing, nothing changes

3 hours ago, Artisi said:

Wow, that's a bit of a change - some pro active decisions for once, anyone would think there's an election coming up soon.

Wait for the flip flop after the election, and especially after all the brown envelopes have been passed around.

“concerning pattern of accidents linked to ITD, including a notable incident involving the collapse of the State Audit Office building. These repeated accidents have prompted an immediate and robust response from the government.”

It’s not that immediate. The State Audit building collapse was quite a while ago. It’s only immediate to the latest incidents

13 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Absolutely the right thing... do nothing, nothing changes

or he pretend to be upset and say he will do something, but in reality nothing really will change in the long run ...

sadly, like always in thailand money comes first, not safety ...

19 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has taken decisive action, ordering the termination of two contracts with Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD) following recent crane collapses that resulted in over 30 fatalities.

Hit them hard in the pocket to compensate for the fatalities and injuries...

Hit them hard for the costs to the raail/train operators.

Then jail the Bosses..

Also, he can probably come up with the name of another construction company who can step in.

I believe all contracts using similar equipment should be put on hold till the cause of the collapse is figured out. Something like grounding a particular model of plane when a problem arises in one.

Thailand has a regulatory body, the Thailand institute of Occupational Safety and Health - TOSH. However, if I understand this correctly, the onus is on the employer to appoint safety officers rather than TOSH appoint its own independent inspectors.

Clearly the current arrangements don't work. It's time for the government to fund a fit for purpose health and safety executive with sufficient clout to imprison offenders and levy huge fines on any company that fails to abide by the relevant regulations.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

ordering the termination of two contracts with Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD)

Wow !!! It seems that he does possess ........

2 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

"Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has taken decisive action, ordering the termination of two contracts with Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD) following recent crane collapses that resulted in over 30 fatalities."

Question - how many contracts does the government have with ITD?

My guess it could easily be a dozen or so.

Not far off. As of January 2026 - 13 contracts with the Thai gubberment.

4 hours ago, Artisi said:

Wow, that's a bit of a change - some pro active decisions for once, anyone would think there's an election coming up soon.

Titanic... deckchairs...

16 minutes ago, The Old Bull said:

I believe all contracts using similar equipment should be put on hold till the cause of the collapse is figured out. Something like grounding a particular model of plane when a problem arises in one.

Indeed , the second accident incident would not have happened if an inquiry had been made on the first crane collapse and all work halted until the findings of the inquiry . That would be the case in the Western world but Thailand are light years behind in Health & Safety at work . I think that ITD will be finished as a contractor or should be but this is Thailand .

2 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

Or could the Italian-Thai contracts move to Sino-Thai?

Pretty much guaranteed.

4 hours ago, Artisi said:

Wow, that's a bit of a change - some pro active decisions for once, anyone would think there's an election coming up soon.

Is it proactive i think not its reactive

Seems more like a knee jerk reaction

Saying they will cancel the Italian - Thai construction contracts

Must be penalty clauses there plus who will carry on with the work plus will people get laid off work

Lots of questions to be asked and answered

16 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Titanic... deckchairs...

Reactive decision which is typical for thais

2 hours ago, LennyW said:

Right thing to do to Ital-Thai, but it will leave thousands of Thai workers out of a job until a replacement company is found/created.

I doubt thousands of these workers are Thai, but either way, Sino-Thai will keep them on due to the worker's experience through years of employment with Italian-Thai on these projects.