Questions have been raised as to whether Thai Labour Laws have been ignored in the building of Thailand’s tallest building.
Last week the media was awash with tales of Thailand’s tallest building, the MahaNakhon. Celebrating the completion of this 77-storey pixelated looking skyscraper in Bangkok, a light show at the building put on a spectacle to mark its grand opening. Lighting up the building for the public to enjoy, the MahaNakhon is still receiving attention for this significant event and its unique design.
However, shortly afterwards questions have been raised as to whether the building of MahaNakhon is in breach of Thai Labour Laws. In place to protect the local workforce, Thai Labour Laws have a number of stringent requirements. For example foreigners must hold a work permit in order to work in Thailand. A work permit is only granted if it is deemed that the position needs to be held by a foreigner rather than Thai, and that the foreigner is qualified for that position. Additionally, four Thai nationals need to be employed for every one foreigner.
In the case of the MahaNakhon it has been revealed that a German architect, Ole Scheeren, designed the structure of the building. Questioning whether Scheeren and Pace Development are in breach of Thai Labour Laws that state some professions, including architecture, are reserved only for Thai nationals.
However, this case is not a new one. It 2010 it was brought to attention that a German would be involved with designing Thailand’s tallest building and a complaint was filed. There have seemingly been attempts to overcome this legal requirement under the Architect Act for architects to hold a license to design buildings. It is believed that Scheeren did not then possess a license but in 2015 acquired one by becoming a shareholder in a Thai company.
Currently the case is being assessed by the Ombudsman. Nevertheless this raises the subject as to whether Thai Labour Laws need addressing if Thailand wants to be part of the world’s rapid globalisation as there is a movement of people and skills across the world. As Jedkamchorn Phromyothi, president of the Architects Council of Thailand comments, “These restrictions are a thing of the past”.
It is not uncommon for foreigners to design buildings outside of their home country. For example British architect Norman Foster is known globally for his distinctive structures. From buildings across London including 30 St Mary’s Axe (the Gherkin) and Wembley, to the Hearst Tower in New York and the HSBC building in Hong Kong. The Briton has made a real impact on skylines across the world. Nevertheless Thailand’s tallest building, the MahaNakhon, will remain in the news as hot topic for some time to come.