The recent collapse of a Chinese-constructed office building in Bangkok has further fueled negative views regarding China’s expanding business influence in Thailand, challenging the government’s welcoming policy towards Beijing,

The contractors of an under-construction tower that crashed in Bangkok during last week’s earthquake apparently used substandard steel bars made by a factory that had been shuttered by authorities.

The Chinese embassy in Bangkok has called for full cooperation with the Thai authorities’ investigation into the State Audit Office collapse.