⚠ Public Safety Alert
136+
Confirmed Deaths

Italian-Thai Development
Fatality Tracker

Documenting all known fatal incidents linked to Italian-Thai Development (ITD) construction projects in Thailand. This site tracks deaths, injuries, investigations, and accountability measures from 2024-2026.

4
Major Incidents
118+
Injuries
23
Indicted
Documentation

Fatal Incidents Timeline

Comprehensive documentation of construction projects linked to Italian-Thai Development that have resulted in fatalities.

January 14, 2026 ~32 Deaths

Sikhio Train Disaster — Crane/Gantry Collapse

Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Sikhio District — Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail

A launching gantry crane operated by Italian-Thai Development collapsed onto a moving passenger train on the Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed rail line (Contract 3-4, Lam Takhong-Sikhio segment). The crane struck the State Railway of Thailand train traveling from Ubon Ratchathani to Bangkok, causing a major derailment. At least 32 people were killed and approximately 64 injured.

Mass Casualty Event Equipment Failure High-Speed Rail Project ITD Direct Contractor
Status: Construction halted, criminal investigation underway, contracts under review
AP News ↗
January 15, 2026 2 Deaths

Rama II Elevated Highway Crane Collapse

Samut Sakhon Province / Rama II Corridor — Elevated Motorway Project

Just one day after the Sikhio disaster, another crane collapse occurred at an Italian-Thai Development elevated highway construction site near Bangkok. The crane fell onto vehicles on the road below, killing 2 drivers who were crushed in their vehicles. This incident, occurring within 24 hours of the train disaster, triggered immediate government action.

Public Road Fatalities Equipment Failure Elevated Highway ITD Direct Contractor
Status: Contract terminated, ITD blacklisted from project, government ordered 15-day halt on all 14 ITD contracts
AP News ↗
March 28, 2025 ~92 Deaths

State Audit Office (SAO) Tower Collapse

Chatuchak, Bangkok — SAO Headquarters Construction

A partially-constructed ~30-storey office tower for Thailand's State Audit Office collapsed during the Myanmar earthquake (magnitude 7.7). While the earthquake was the trigger, subsequent investigations revealed the building was constructed with substandard materials, deviated from approved designs, and involved forged documentation. At least 89-95 people were killed with several still missing. ITD was the main contractor in a joint venture with China Railway No. 10.

Mass Casualty Event Structural Collapse Design Negligence Forged Documents ITD-CRCC Joint Venture
Status: 23 individuals/companies indicted including ITD; charges: professional negligence, use of forged documents; Premchai Karnasuta surrendered to police
AP News ↗ Wikipedia ↗
March 15, 2025 7 Deaths

Rama III–Dao Khanong Expressway Segment Collapse

Bangkok — Rama III-Dao Khanong Expressway Project

An under-construction elevated bridge segment on the Rama III-Dao Khanong Expressway collapsed, killing at least 5-7 workers and injuring 27 others. Investigation cited human error as the primary cause. Italian-Thai Development was part of the joint venture consortium responsible for construction.

Worker Fatalities Structural Collapse Human Error Expressway Project ITD Joint Venture
Status: Investigation completed, cited human error; contributed to government contractor oversight reform discussions
Wikipedia ↗
Legal Actions

Accountability & Government Response

Tracking legal actions, indictments, and regulatory responses to ITD's safety failures.

⚖️ Criminal Indictments

Following the SAO building collapse investigation:

  • 23 individuals and companies indicted
  • Charges include professional negligence causing death
  • Use of forged documents in construction
  • Deviation from approved building plans
  • Use of substandard materials

🏛️ Government Actions

  • 15-day construction halt ordered on all 14 ITD contracts (Jan 2026)
  • Contract terminations for projects involved in fatal accidents
  • Blacklisting of ITD from certain projects
  • New contractor scorecard system announced
  • Transport Ministry ordered comprehensive safety inspections

🔍 Bid-Rigging Investigation

The SAO collapse investigation uncovered systemic corruption:

  • Over 70 officials implicated in bid-rigging scandal
  • Irregularities in design, construction, and supervision contracts
  • SAO executives among those under investigation
  • Evidence of weak regulatory oversight

📋 Ongoing Investigations

  • Criminal investigation into January 2026 crane incidents
  • Review of all active ITD contracts
  • Assessment of safety compliance across all sites
  • Evaluation of joint venture partner responsibilities
Key Personnel

Key Figures & Leadership

Individuals connected to Italian-Thai Development and the fatal incidents.

Premchai Karnasuta
President & Chairman, Italian-Thai Development

Leader of ITD, one of Thailand's largest construction conglomerates. Previously convicted in 2019 for wildlife poaching in a protected sanctuary and illegal weapons possession; served prison time and released on parole in 2023. Now faces charges related to the SAO building collapse.

⚠️ INDICTED — Surrendered to police May 16, 2025 on negligence charges for SAO collapse
Zhang Chuanling
Director, China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group

Director of ITD's joint venture partner on multiple projects including the SAO building and high-speed rail segments. China Railway No. 10 was the co-contractor on the collapsed SAO tower.

⚠️ ARRESTED — Among those indicted for SAO building collapse
Anutin Charnvirakul
Acting Prime Minister of Thailand (as of Jan 2026)

Ordered the termination of ITD contracts following the January 2026 fatal accidents. Announced government review of all contractor relationships and potential blacklisting measures. Has publicly stated the government will pursue legal action.

🏛️ Ordered contract cancellations and blacklisting
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn
Minister of Transport, Thailand

Chaired the emergency meeting that ordered the 15-day suspension of all 14 ITD contracts. Leading the reform efforts on contractor registration and safety oversight systems.

🏛️ Leading contractor safety reforms
Analysis

Critical Questions

Examining how ITD continues to operate despite its safety record.

How does Italian-Thai Development continue to obtain government contracts?

Despite mounting fatalities, investigations, and legal scrutiny, ITD has continued to win substantial government contracts. According to reports, ITD won approximately ฿26 billion (over $700 million USD) in new contracts even after the SAO building collapse in March 2025.

Several factors appear to contribute to this pattern:

Are prominent Thai officials linked or tied to Italian-Thai Development?

The relationship between ITD and Thai government institutions is complex:

Demand Accountability

These deaths could have been prevented with proper oversight and enforcement. Citizens, journalists, and civil society must continue to demand transparency and accountability.

Follow on X/Twitter Reddit Discussions
⚠️ Unverified

Rumors & Unverified Reports

The following information is based on circumstantial evidence, anonymous sources, or unverified reports. While not confirmed, these claims circulate in Thai media, social networks, and investigative journalism circles.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: The information in this section has NOT been independently verified. It is presented for transparency and to document claims that exist in public discourse. ITD and all mentioned individuals deny wrongdoing unless otherwise stated. Readers should draw their own conclusions.
Political Connections Circumstantial Evidence

Alleged Long-Standing Political Protection

Multiple sources suggest ITD has maintained close relationships with successive Thai governments regardless of political party affiliation. The company's ability to continue winning contracts despite criminal investigations, mounting fatalities, and public outcry is cited as evidence of political protection.

  • ITD has operated for 60+ years across multiple military coups and civilian governments
  • Company leadership reportedly attends high-level political functions
  • Contracts worth ฿26 billion awarded even after SAO collapse indictments

Based on: Pattern analysis, Reddit discussions, Thai investigative journalism

Financial Partially Documented

Severe Financial Distress & Contract Dependencies

ITD reportedly carries liabilities exceeding ฿106 billion and has struggled to pay wages. Some analysts suggest the government may be reluctant to terminate contracts because:

  • ITD bankruptcy could destabilize major infrastructure projects
  • Subcontractors and workers could go unpaid
  • Replacement contractors may not exist at scale
  • Political embarrassment over failed flagship projects

Based on: Thai Examiner reporting (2024), financial analysis, industry sources

Corruption Under Investigation

Systemic Bid-Rigging Network

The SAO collapse investigation uncovered evidence suggesting bid-rigging extends far beyond a single project:

  • 70+ government officials implicated in bid manipulation
  • Allegations of coordinated tender processes across multiple ministries
  • Claims that "supervision contracts" were awarded to entities that failed to supervise
  • Reports of forged engineering certifications and safety documents

Based on: Pattaya Mail, ongoing criminal investigation, prosecutor statements

Safety Culture Witness Accounts

Alleged Pattern of Safety Violations

Anonymous workers and industry insiders have reportedly described systemic safety issues:

  • Pressure to meet deadlines overriding safety protocols
  • Inadequate training for heavy equipment operators
  • Outdated or poorly maintained construction equipment
  • Inspections allegedly "arranged" in advance
  • Whistleblower concerns reportedly ignored or suppressed

Based on: Reddit r/Thailand discussions, anonymous worker accounts, industry sources

Media Alleged

Alleged Media Influence & Reputation Management

Some observers have noted patterns suggesting coordinated reputation management:

  • Wikipedia article shows suspicious editing patterns (documented above)
  • Claims of "PR crisis management" firms being engaged after incidents
  • Observations that critical coverage sometimes disappears or is modified
  • Allegations of advertising pressure on media outlets

Based on: Wikipedia edit analysis, media industry speculation, pattern observation

Leadership Documented + Alleged

Questions About Leadership Character

ITD's leadership, particularly Premchai Karnasuta, faces ongoing character questions:

  • DOCUMENTED: 2019 conviction for wildlife poaching in protected Thungyai Naresuan sanctuary, including killing a black leopard
  • DOCUMENTED: Illegal weapons possession charges
  • DOCUMENTED: Indicted for negligence in SAO building collapse
  • ALLEGED: Pattern of using wealth and connections to minimize legal consequences
  • ALLEGED: Company culture reflects leadership's disregard for rules

Based on: Court records, news reports, public commentary

Death Toll Unverified Claims

Higher Fatality Counts Alleged

Some sources claim the actual death toll from ITD projects may be higher than officially reported:

  • Reddit discussions cite figures of "~141 deaths over the past year"
  • Allegations that worker deaths on sites go unreported or misattributed
  • Claims of settlements with families to avoid public reporting
  • Suggestions that some incidents never made news coverage

Based on: Reddit r/Thailand, anonymous claims, investigative speculation

Joint Ventures Circumstantial

Questions About Chinese JV Accountability

ITD's joint ventures with Chinese state-owned enterprises raise additional questions:

  • China Railway No. 10 involvement in multiple fatal projects
  • Questions about which JV partner controls safety protocols
  • Allegations that JV structures diffuse accountability
  • Claims of diplomatic pressure to protect Chinese partners
  • Suggestions that projects serve geopolitical interests beyond construction

Based on: Geopolitical analysis, news reports, industry commentary

Public Response

Public Discourse & Media Coverage

How the public and media have responded to ITD's safety failures.

🔴 Reddit r/Thailand

"The board of directors of Italian-Thai Development... ~141 deaths over the past year, alleging leadership corruption and financial mismanagement."

View Discussion →
📰 AP News

"Thailand orders construction halt for firm Italian-Thai after fatal accidents... Government officials announced contract terminations and blacklisting after consecutive crane collapses killed 34 people in two days."

Read Article →
📰 Khaosod English

"Italian-Thai Developer Wins ฿26 Billion in Contracts Since Building Collapse — Despite ongoing criminal investigation into the SAO tower collapse that killed 92 people, ITD continues to secure major government infrastructure contracts."

Read Article →
📰 Fortune

Coverage of ITD's pattern of accidents, public anger, and questions about how Thailand's largest construction firm continues operations despite its deadly safety record.

Read Article →
📰 Euronews

"Prosecutors in Thailand issue indictments for dozens linked to deadly building collapse — 23 individuals and companies face charges including professional negligence and use of forged documents."

Read Article →
📰 The Thaiger

In-depth analysis of Italian-Thai Development as a "controversial construction company" examining its history, political connections, and pattern of safety incidents.

Read Article →
⚠️ Google Reviews — Removed

Google Reviews for Italian-Thai Development appear to have been removed or disabled. Thailand's strict criminal defamation laws (which carry potential prison sentences) make it effectively impossible for the public to leave honest negative feedback about companies without risking legal action. This chilling effect on free speech extends to online reviews.

🔒 Secure Contact

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Have information about ITD safety violations, unreported incidents, or insider knowledge? You can contact us securely.

📧 Contact Email

We accept tips, documents, and information from sources who wish to remain anonymous. All communications are treated with discretion.

We are particularly interested in:

  • Documentation of unreported safety incidents
  • Internal communications regarding safety protocols
  • Evidence of regulatory capture or corruption
  • Witness accounts from construction sites
  • Financial documents related to contracts

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