Uncovering the Controversial Case of Chon Buri Special Steel Group
Peeking into the Shady Past of Chon Buri Special Steel Group
"Steel goods seized at Chinese factory in Chon Buri area"
The Roots Run Deep: Chon Buri Special Steel Group, a steel production company stationed in Chon Buri province, Thailand, has been plagued by legal hurdles due to its low-quality steel products. Tightly knit with Teng Feng Steel, the pair shares office space [1].
The Heat Is On: Recent Investigations and Raids
- The Latest Showdown: In April 2025, Thai authorities raided Chon Buri Special Steel Group, confiscating over 582 tonnes of subpar steel valued at more than 11.5 million baht. Six Chinese workers without proper permits were apprehended [1][2].
- A History of Misconduct: Previously, in February 2025, a similar raid led to the seizure of substandard steel worth 23 million baht, resulting in the revocation of the company's license [1]. Despite the setbacks, the company continued operating illegally.
Raising Red Flags: Local Projects Impacts
- Safety Under Fire: The issue of substandard steel has sparked safety concerns across Thailand. The recent collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok during an earthquake has intensified these worries, with concerns surrounding the use of subpar materials [4].
- Economic Turbulence: The rampant production and use of substandard steel affects the integrity of local construction projects and the broader economy. It undermines trust in infrastructure and could lead to legal and financial consequences for involved companies [5].
The Bigger Picture: Substandard Steel in Thailand
- Countrywide Probes: Beyond Chon Buri Special Steel Group, Thai authorities have been investigating substandard steel wares in multiple provinces. Between November 2024 and March 2025, over 361 million baht worth of subpar steel was confiscated from various manufacturing plants [5].
- Taking Action: The Board of Investment has withdrawn incentives for companies linked to substandard steel production, such as Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co, which supplied materials for the collapsed SAO building [4][5].
The Road Ahead
The Chon Buri Special Steel Group debacle showcases a broader issue with subpar steel production in Thailand. With ongoing investigations and enforcement actions, authorities strive to tackle the problem, promoting industrial standards compliance and ensuring public safety.
- The Chon Buri Special Steel Group, a company linked to Teng Feng Steel, has faced legal challenges due to its production of low-quality steel.
- In April 2025, Thai authorities raided Chon Buri Special Steel Group, seizing over 582 tonnes of substandard steel and apprehending six Chinese workers without proper permits.
- Prior to the April raid, a similar seizure in February 2025 resulted in the revocation of Chon Buri Special Steel Group's license, yet the company continued operating illegally.
- The use of substandard steel has raised safety concerns and the recent earthquake-induced collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok has intensified these worries.
- Beyond Chon Buri Special Steel Group, authorities have been investigating substandard steel in various provinces, confiscating over 361 million baht worth of such steel between November 2024 and March 2025.
- The Board of Investment has withdrawn incentives for companies linked to substandard steel production, including Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co, which supplied materials for the collapsed SAO building, signaling a further crackdown on this issue.
