Parties urged to unite against 'zero dollar' industry

Any attempt to crack down on the “zero-dollar” industry blamed for the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok must transcend the political divide as it requires close collaboration from the opposition and the public, said Industry Minister Akanat Promphan.

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

Mr Akanat was speaking to the House standing committee on national security and border affairs yesterday. He was invited to explain the ministry's efforts to stamp out the “zero-dollar industry”, a term describing work that generates zero income and value for Thailand.

Chinese businesses have reportedly infiltrated the Thai building sector, resulting at times in the production of substandard construction materials such as the steel used in building projects. These low-quality materials are feared to compromise the strength of buildings.