Investigation into deadly collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok has concluded
23 Individuals Set to Face Justice for Deadly Bangkok Building Disaster following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake
The investigation into the deadly collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok has concluded, with 23 individuals, including a prominent tycoon, facing potential criminal charges.
On 28th March 2025, the under-construction, 30-storey SAO tower collapsed following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake, resulting in the deaths of ninety two workers and injuries to dozens more. The tremor, originating in Mandalay Myanmar, was the region’s most powerful in years, affecting several inadequately built structures.
After an extensive investigation, the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) is set to present its findings to prosecutors. Police Major General Somkuan Puengsap announced on 20th July that 51 boxes containing over 90,000 pages of evidence will be delivered to Criminal Division 8.
Among those facing scrutiny is Premchai Karnasuta, the former president of Italian-Thai Development PCL, previously embroiled in controversies. Others include architects, engineers, and contractors. Charges under Sections 227 and 230 of the Criminal Code involve negligence leading to injury or death.
The investigation’s first phase examined design and construction faults, while a subsequent probe is assessing potential involvement of state officials in corruption or bid rigging. This aspect will be addressed by the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has attributed the collapse to poor construction and materials. However, police continue to gather evidence to support these claims. Major General Somkuan stated that any decisions on arrest warrants will rest with the prosecutors.
“We’re not ruling anything out. If more names come up, they’ll be added to the list,” he said.
The collapse, which ironically took down a building intended to uphold state accountability, has ignited public outrage over Thailand’s construction standards and regulatory oversight. The event has fuelled calls for reform in the industry.
The disaster site remains sealed off, with structural debris untouched as investigations persist. If prosecutors find merit in the police’s substantial dossier, the legal reverberations could be significant.
The broader implications of this tragedy continue to unfold, raising critical questions about construction practices and regulatory safeguards in Thailand. As the legal process progresses, the public watches closely for justice and accountability.
With potential courtroom confrontations ahead, the case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stringent oversight and ethical practices in the construction sector, aiming to prevent further tragedies.
Source: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367385-23-set-to-face-justice-for-deadly-bangkok-building-disaster/
