BANGKOK – Thailand’s government has moved to cancel contracts and suspend a prominent construction firm from over a dozen projects after a series of deadly crane accidents, including one that struck a moving passenger train at a high-speed rail construction site, has shaken public confidence in the country’s infrastructure safety.

Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan announced on Thursday that the ministry would terminate two contracts with Italian-Thai Development PCL (ITD) and impose an immediate 15-day work stoppage on 14 of the company’s ongoing projects. The order, issued by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, mandates comprehensive safety inspections across all sites.

The decisive action follows two tragedies. On Wednesday, a large crane collapsed at a high-speed rail construction site in Nakhon Ratchasima province, crashing onto a passing train and causing significant casualties. A day later, another crane operated by ITD toppled in Bangkok, killing two people.

Minister Pipat outlined a three-pronged response: a swift investigation to determine legal liability, a systemic upgrade of long-term safety standards for public transport and construction, and an accelerated push for stricter contractor registration and enforcement of safety protocols. The goal, he stated, is to prevent future disasters and rebuild public trust.

The ministry further indicated that other major projects under its purview may also be paused for safety evaluations of up to 15 days, with findings to inform potential legal and regulatory actions. The moves signal a heightened regulatory scrutiny for Thailand’s construction industry as the government seeks to balance rapid infrastructure development with operational safety.Editor/Cao Tianyi