On a bright Tuesday, a gathering of solemn searchers took place at the scene of a tragedy: the site of the State Audit Office (SAO) in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. A poignant merit-making ceremony was held to honor the memories of those who lost their lives when the structure, an ambitious 2.1-billion baht endeavor, came crashing down. The photograph capturing this somber event, courtesy of Pattarapong Chatpattarasill, evokes a sea of mourning and reflection.
Following the catastrophic collapse of the SAO building on March 28, sparked by a devastating earthquake, Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has been meticulously piecing together the puzzle, working relentlessly to identify the individuals responsible for this harrowing incident. The MPB is now on the brink of seeking arrest warrants for 17 individuals—engineers, project supervisors, and executives—linked to the project’s collapse. These suspects are intertwined with the Italian-Thai Development and China Railway No.10 Engineering Group Co joint venture, which shepherded the construction of the skyscraper.
With a mountain of evidence in tow—from physical remnants to revealing documents and insightful witness accounts—they’re ready to make their case in court. Accusations hang heavy in the air, cast by expert analyses provided by institutions like the Council of Engineers, the Engineering Institute of Thailand, and Chulalongkorn University. Material tests on over 300 samples of concrete and steel, and forensic examinations have further solidified the case. Under Sections 227 and 238 of the Criminal Code, these individuals are accused of not adhering to proper engineering standards, resulting in the tragic loss of life.
Auditor-General Montien Charoenphol stands firm amidst the legal tempest, calmly asserting his cooperation with the investigative process. Having assumed his role just last year, Mr. Montien distanced himself from the earlier stages of construction but reinforced the necessity of legal repercussions where wrongdoing is evident. “This is a matter of law,” he remarked resolutely. “If anyone has committed any wrongdoing, they must face the consequences. Also, no one can escape the law of karma.”
The absence of SAO executives post-tragedy has not gone unnoticed, with whispers of unoffered apologies clouding the air. However, Mr. Montien countered these claims assertively, stating, “I believe you should ask the families directly and not listen to others. SAO officials have met with the families—whether of the injured or the deceased. We sent officers to every family in every province. So, everyone has received an apology. … Don’t listen to rumors—listen to the facts.”
The ill-fated SAO headquarters was the solitary high-rise to bow to the earthquake’s force, its collapse reverberating through the streets of Bangkok. On that fateful day, 109 individuals were inside; tragically, 89 bodies have been recovered, with seven souls still unaccounted for. Nine sustained injuries, and four workers, listed as present, had been serendipitously absent.
As Bangkok grapples with this profound loss, a religious ceremony marks the conclusion of the exhaustive search efforts, bringing closure to a devastating chapter. The whispers of those who perished linger still, urging the living to tread cautiously and remember—as structures rise anew amidst the sorrowful ruins—that vigilance is every bit as essential as the steel and stone that form their foundations.
This tragedy was preventable. The negligence is appalling. Executives should be held accountable for the lives lost.
It’s not just the executives. Everyone involved in the construction process should be scrutinized. Wouldn’t you agree?
Absolutely. The engineers and supervisors must be held to the same standards. It’s a systemic failure.
I think it’s too easy to blame people now. The earthquake was a force of nature!
Executives in these big projects often cut corners to save money. It’s despicable if that happened here.
The families deserve more than just apologies. They should receive compensation and justice.
Money can’t bring back their loved ones, but it can help ease some of their burdens.
Why wasn’t this building better equipped to handle an earthquake? Incompetence or oversight?
Probably a mix of both, and possibly some corruption, as bad as it may sound.
Some buildings just aren’t constructed to withstand certain earthquakes. It’s complicated.
True, but skyscrapers are supposed to adhere to higher safety standards, right?
The Auditor-General seems pretty detached. Claiming ‘karma’ is a bit ironic.
Interesting that other buildings stood firm while this one collapsed. Makes you wonder about the quality control.
Indeed, it also speaks volumes about the inspection standards before it opened.
I don’t think apologies are enough. These are real lives lost!
I agree, Cynthia. At least some criminal charges can provide a sense of justice.
Justice in name only, sadly. It won’t change the past, but it might prevent future tragedies.
The tragic aspect is human lives. We often focus too much on the legal repercussions and too little on the human impact.
You’re right. Mourning those lost should take precedence while supporting their loved ones.
Unbelievable disaster. I just hope this leads to a real change in construction practices.
It’s insane to think that only one building fell. Seems fishy to me.
Absolutely agree, James. A thorough investigation is definitely needed to uncover all truths.
Could be poor oversight or an unfortunate exception. Either way, needs scrutiny.
My heart goes out to the families. Every building site should be a testament to life, not death.
The legal system here needs to step up. Too many tragedies go without proper justice.
Let’s hope the arrests lead to just that. It’s crucial for public trust.
Accidents happen, but this was avoidable. Stricter regulations and inspections should be mandatory.
Exactly! Cutting corners is too common, and this is the result.
Unfortunately, it’s often after such events that change happens. Let’s see what unfolds.
How do we know justice will be served? Big companies often escape serious penalties.
The focus should be on rebuilding responsibly, learning from mistakes.