In a twist of fate that seems to defy logic, the saga of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok has become a tale as tumultuous as the recent earthquake that exposed its vulnerabilities. Nestled in the heart of the bustling Chatuchak district, this 30-storey behemoth was expected to be a hallmark of efficiency. Instead, it crumbled to the ground on March 28, sending shockwaves through both the earth and the corridors of power.
Phisit Leelavachiropas, the former auditor-general whose term spanned from 2014 to 2017, finds himself unwittingly pulled back into the narrative of the building’s tragic demise. He adamantly maintains a comfortable distance from the design debacle, asserting that his pen only inked decisions on selecting the site. “The real coloring and crafting happened after my time,” he insists, likening his role to merely setting the stage for a performance directed by others, long after the curtain had fallen on his tenure.
As accusations fly, a photograph emerges like an ominous cloud over sunlit pleasantries. It features Phisit alongside two Chinese businessmen, their expressions lost to the ages, said to be tethered to the ill-fated project. Phisit brushes off the connection with the nonchalance of a breeze through an open window, affirming, “I was merely a guest at a table and not privy to their world of itineraries.”
The plot thickens as Italian-Thai Development (ITD) found itself bound in a joint venture with China Railway No.10 (Thailand) Co (CREC 10), leading the charge in constructing the SAO’s new monolithic headquarters. Even the shareholding maze within CREC 10 raises eyebrows, prompting the Department of Special Investigation to delve deeper into the rabbit hole of financial intrigues, sifting through the dust for any elusive breadcrumbs of truth.
Standing under the spotlight is current Auditor-General Montien Charoenphol, summoned by the House Committee on Corruption Prevention and Suppression, which seeks to unravel the enigma. Chalard Khamchuang, a Pheu Thai MP and chairman of the committee, paints a picture of intrigue worthy of a mystery novel, where the SAO holds secrets tighter than a miser holds gold. The conundrum serves as an enticement for the committee’s scrutiny on aspects such as contract management and the authenticity of the engineering oversight during construction.
Alas, the tragedy also entwines the lives of many innocent workers. As of now, the death toll sits grimly at 66, with valiant rescue operations hopeful of yet uncovering more as they soldier through the debris. With nine hurting and 28 still unaccounted for, the next couple of weeks promise to unearth more from beneath the rubble.
The echo of injustice reverberates in the cries for compensation. Thitipong Phoprom, a figure draped in steadfast resolve, stands at the forefront of subcontractors pleading their case. He has thrown down the gauntlet at the feet of 9PK Group, a subjugated player under CREC 10, staking a claim for unpaid dues totaling over 10 million baht. Thitipong’s share alone clocks in at 3.8 million baht, as previous overtures for remuneration remain unheeded.
In the midst of a tangled web of steel, guilt, and dust, one can’t help but question if truth will ever emerge victorious or if it will remain buried deep within the ruins. As the ink dries on statements and the gears of investigation turn ever so slowly, the urgency to lay blame must not overshadow the gravitas of loss and suffering endured in this calamity.
This tragedy at the SAO building really shows the flaws in the construction and oversight processes. How could this go unnoticed until now?
It’s negligence at its worst, Anna. Those responsible need to face charges. 66 lives lost; it’s a disgrace!
I agree, Barry. It feels like profit was prioritized over safety here.
Let’s not forget the earthquake added stress to the building. It’s not entirely negligence.
Kind of ironic that the State Audit Office couldn’t audit themselves out of this disaster!
The irony is thick, Sandy! The SAO should have seen this coming. Their credibility is in tatters now.
Exactly, EcoWarrior. How can they ensure integrity in others’ projects if they can’t secure their own structures?
I wonder how much corruption played a role here. Sketchy dealings with contractors seem all too common in projects like these.
It’s heartbreaking to hear about the workers who lost their lives. They deserve justice!
Totally agree with you, Jenny. Hoping the families get proper compensation.
Let’s hope so, Tom. It’s the least they deserve after such a disaster.
The mystery here isn’t just in the construction but how approvals were obtained so easily. Someone definitely didn’t do due diligence!
Exactly, Engineer123! The whole approval process needs a serious review.
Sad to say, but the photo of Phisit with the Chinese businessmen is classic scapegoating. He seems only tangentially involved at best.
Could be true, Liam. Yet it’s hard to dismiss his ties. Everyone connected should be examined closely.
Are we sure the current Auditor-General is fit for the job? The committee’s scrutiny should be rigorous.
Thitipong’s story is just one of many. Subcontractors often face such problems. The legal system needs to handle such issues better.
Hate to be pessimistic, but seeing any justice served will be a miracle.
I hear you, Jay. Hopeful for change, but not holding my breath either.
What a massive failure on so many levels. Who’ll be held accountable for the future of the SAO’s projects?
We need to look at the bigger picture and evaluate Thailand’s building safety codes in their entirety.
CriticalThinker, you’re right. This systemic issue must be addressed to prevent future tragedies.
If this isn’t a wake-up call for stricter building regulations, I don’t know what is.
Seeing all these lives lost makes me question how we can ever ensure safety in development going forward?
Kelsey78, continuous monitoring and independent audits could be a start.
Feel like we’re only getting the surface of the matter here. Too many interested parties might keep the truth hidden.
Could this incident have been an act of sabotage? Seems like too many coincidences. Or am I watching too many movies?
Haha, AnonymousSoul, you’re definitely looking for drama! But seriously, everything should be considered.