On the morning of the 14th in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, a crane fell during construction of a high-speed rail project, striking a train in motion. At present, at least 32 people have died. According to Thai media reports, the project contractor has previously been involved in multiple construction safety incidents, including the collapse of the Bangkok Audit Office building due to an earthquake.
In addition, the collapse of a construction crane on Rama II Expressway on the morning of the 15th, which resulted in 2 deaths, is also linked to the same contractor.
Local media reported that Minister of Transport Pipat pointed out that Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (ITD) was also involved in the country’s second fatal crane collapse incident in two days.
He said: “Yes. I still don’t understand what exactly happened. We must find out the truth to see whether this was an accident or for some other reason.”
Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited is one of Thailand’s largest construction companies.
According to Thai media, Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited has previously been involved in multiple construction safety incidents. In 2025, the company’s contracted Bangkok Audit Office building collapsed due to an earthquake. On March 15 of the same year, a highway project for which the company was responsible (Rama III–Dao Khanong–Bangkok Western Outer Ring Expressway) suffered a bridge structure collapse near the Dao Khanong toll station, resulting in 5 deaths and 24 injuries, including engineers and several Thai and foreign workers.
Additionally, on August 21, 2021, a company worker died after falling during the construction of the Rama II elevated highway; he was not wearing a safety harness as required. Even earlier, on April 28, 2017, a crane collapse occurred during the construction of the MRT Red Line near Wat Don Mueang School in Bangkok, also led by the company, resulting in three worker deaths. This incident prompted the State Railway of Thailand to suspend the relevant project and investigate and hold those responsible to account.
In the Nakhon Ratchasima accident, preliminary investigations show that the site is within the construction scope of the China-Thailand high-speed rail cooperation project, specifically the civil engineering of contract sections 3–4 (Lam Ta Khong–Si Chio–Khok Kruat area), built by Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited. The overall progress of this contract section has reached 99.54%.
The accident occurred on a section that is part of the first phase of the Bangkok to Nong Khai high-speed railway (Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima). Construction of this section officially began on December 21, 2017, and is still underway, with a total investment of about 179.412 billion Thai Baht (approximately 23.087 billion Malaysian Ringgit).
Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, Anan, stated that the railway bureau has initiated relevant rescue and compensation procedures. Each victim will receive 40,000 Baht (approximately 5,147 Malaysian Ringgit) in medical compensation and a further 40,000 Baht initial assistance. In addition, Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited has insured the project for 50 million Baht.
On the 14th, Minister of Transport Pipat stated at the scene that all parties involved would be held accountable, including Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited and the Chinese consulting company.
No Foreign Casualties Involved
Meanwhile, Sonlek, Deputy Minister of Public Health of Thailand, reported at the Medical Emergency Operations Center on the 14th that the medical and public health systems have been fully activated for emergency response.
He said that initial information indicates that the casualties are mainly Thai nationals, with no reports of foreign casualties so far.
The Thai Ministry of Public Health has confirmed 32 deaths, 3 missing persons, and 64 people hospitalized, 7 of whom are seriously injured.