Probe into State Audit Office collapse to conclude in 7 Days: Anutin

The Interior Ministry’s committee will complete its investigation into the collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district within seven days.

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul made this remark on Sunday after discussing the earthquake centered in Mandalay, Myanmar, with Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang, which impacted Thailand.

He told the press that the Chinese Embassy had contacted Chinese disaster-management experts to assist in evaluating the situation following the collapse of the State Audit Office building.

He noted that Chinese experts were not involved in the investigation to take legal action against those responsible for the incident. He stressed that officials were accelerating efforts to clear the wreckage and rescue victims as quickly as possible.Regarding rumours of men in black carrying documents and leaving the scene, Anutin said a committee had been set up to investigate the case, consisting of engineering experts.

He expects the committee to complete the investigation within seven days, adding that the building’s blueprint and contract are still held by the State Audit Office.

Anutin explained that the investigation is currently focused on the building's designer, supervisor, and contractor, all of which are part of a Thai-Chinese joint venture. He emphasised that those involved in the incident should take responsibility.

The investigation will also examine the construction process, he said, adding that the State Audit Office building should have been constructed to withstand earthquakes, in line with the law that has been in effect since 1997.

He believes the committee will be able to identify errors in the construction, noting that 95% of buildings in Thailand are still able to withstand strong earthquakes despite their magnitude.

The Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning in each province is responsible for inspecting buildings, he added.Anutin mentioned that inspections of buildings in Bangkok are conducted annually and said the Interior Ministry would ask owners to conduct immediate inspections.

He also expressed confidence that building and condominium owners would cooperate to help restore public confidence.

(2025/03/30-00:00)