Expansion of Investigation Broader as List of Suspects Increases in Connection with Investigation at State Audit Office Building
Working Our Way Through the SAO Building Tragedy
The investigation into the catastrophic collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of 92 lives, is heating up. In an exclusive sit-down with our site, Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poonsawat, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, shares the latest updates in this complex, high-stakes case.
What's the current standing of the probe?
We've already put the brakes on 17 individuals under the Criminal Code, focusing on Sections 227 and 238. These sections cover professional negligence in construction that jeopardizes lives and penalties for specific public danger offenses that result in death or serious injury. Among the charged are engineers, designers, and construction supervisors.
The charges are heavy-hitter ones — professional misconduct resulting in deaths. Our evidence points to forged engineering signatures, subpar materials, and violations of basic safety guidelines. For instance, the cement and steel used didn't meet the contract's specified requirements.
Is it only about negligence or is there corruption at play?
There appear to be three key areas of failure: design, supervision, and building materials. Each played a role in the building's downfall. However, there's more to the story. We're looking into why contract termination was delayed for two months from January to March 2025. The project's inspection committee discovered that only 23% of the work was completed, considerably short of the expected 80%.
It seems that senior and former SAO officials might soon join the list of suspects as our investigation gradually reveals their involvement. The committee, led by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is nearing the end of its three-month probe. Once the report comes our way, we'll have a clearer picture of who else may have breached Section 157, which addresses misconduct by public officials.
Anyone else filed criminal complaints?
Yes, well-known Thai news anchor Narakorn Tiyayon and former senator Damrong Phuttan lodged a complaint against current SAO Auditor-General Montien Charoenphol and former auditor-general Prachak Boonyang. They're accused of gross negligence and misconduct under Section 157 and recklessly causing deaths. We've taken on the case and have 30 days to submit our findings to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
Could current SAO executives also face charges?
Potentially. Just because their names haven't surfaced yet doesn't mean they're off the hook. We're still accumulating evidence. If we uncover any current SAO officials who played a role in the procurement, TOR drafting, contract approvals, or disbursements, we'll present our findings to the NACC for review. We're waiting on several more statements and the final outcomes of the technical analysis.
Any challenges with evidence collection?
Luckily enough, we've saved crucial samples—concrete, steel, and lift shaft structures. These samples are now being examined by experts at academic institutions, including Chulalongkorn University and King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, to determine whether the used materials were flawed.
How does this compare to other cases you've tackled?
This case is a different beast. Instead of a straightforward theft or murder investigation where the cause is apparent, we're dealing with a complex, multilayered scenario that calls for a deep dive into engineering expertise and technical documentation. From drafting TORs to the bidding process and site execution, we'll have to sift through every stage meticulously.
What's the connection between the collapse and the quake?
That's what makes this situation so unsettling. The building was over 1,000km away from Myanmar's earthquake epicenter. Yet, in Bangkok, it collapsed within eight seconds and in a pancake fashion, while neighboring buildings remained unscathed. The odds suggest that man-made elements, not natural forces, are responsible for the disaster.
How can we assure accountability?
Our team is dedicated to untangling the mess. We're sticking to facts, focusing on professional standards, construction protocols, and legal benchmarks. The investigation may be time-consuming, but we know we owe it to the victims and the public to do our jobs meticulously.
Any final thoughts?
This is the first-ever case of its kind in Bangkok—a major structure collapsing, leading to multiple fatalities. People—and possibly multiple people—made decisions that led to this calamity. And those responsible will face the consequences.
- The general-news of the ongoing investigation into the SAO building collapse in Bangkok extends beyond just negligence in the construction industry, as the investigation delves into possible corruption and misconduct by public officials, including senior and former SAO officials.
- Crime-and-justice aspects are also being explored, as well-known Thai news anchor Narakorn Tiyayon and former senator Damrong Phuttan have lodged a complaint accusing current SAO Auditor-General Montien Charoenphol and former auditor-general Prachak Boonyang of gross negligence and misconduct that led to deaths.
- In the broader context of finance, the delayed contract termination for two months and the use of subpar materials in the construction process could have significant financial implications and point towards possible breaches of business and construction protocols.
