31-8-2024 (BANGKOK) The construction of a crucial tunnel for the ambitious Thailand-China high-speed railway project in Nakhon Ratchasima province has come to a standstill following a devastating landslide that claimed the lives of three workers. The incident, which occurred late Saturday night in the Chan Thuek area of Pak Chong district, has cast a shadow over the project and raised questions about safety protocols.
The ill-fated rescue operation, which spanned several days, concluded on a sombre note as rescue teams recovered the bodies of all three trapped workers. The first victim, believed to be a Myanmar national employed as a dump truck driver, was found on Thursday. The remaining two workers, both Chinese nationals serving as a foreman and a backhoe operator, were discovered shortly after, lying in close proximity to the first casualty.
Polapat Karnasuta, director of Nawarat Patanakarn, the company overseeing the construction, announced a temporary suspension of work following directives from the State Railway of Thailand. Karnasuta expressed the company’s intention to conduct a thorough review of the construction plan in light of the tragedy. He welcomed the prospect of an official investigation, stating, “We believe that an investigation would be a good thing, so that people can understand the cause of the incident.”
Caretaker Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul extended his condolences to the families of the deceased workers. He confirmed that the first worker succumbed to asphyxiation, while autopsies for the two Chinese workers were pending at the time of reporting. “Our rescue operation is over, and nobody wants such an accident to happen,” Charnvirakul remarked, commending the tireless efforts of rescuers and officials involved in the operation.
The minister also assured that the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare would provide support to the bereaved families, aiming to alleviate their suffering in the wake of this tragic event.
This incident has not only resulted in a temporary halt to the construction but has also sparked concerns about worker safety in large-scale infrastructure projects. As Thailand continues to pursue its ambitious railway plans in collaboration with China, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with such expansive undertakings.
The Thailand-China high-speed railway project, a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Southeast Asia, aims to connect Bangkok with Nong Khai on the Laos border. The tunnel in question was part of this extensive network, designed to revolutionise transportation in the region.
