The Thai government has launched an official investigation into the collapse of the newly built State Audit Office structure in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, following a magnitude 4.5 earthquake on March 28. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the formation of a fact-finding committee tasked with submitting a report on the incident within seven days.
The building, which was still under construction at the time of the collapse, is part of a state-led development and was therefore exempt from standard permitting processes typically overseen by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The investigation will examine the roles of the architectural and engineering design teams, on-site consultants and supervisors, and the construction contractors to determine whether any party deviated from approved designs or used substandard materials.
Authorities indicated that the focus of the probe will be on compliance with structural plans and safety standards. Legal accountability will be assigned based on the findings of the inquiry. Should the contractors be found to have adhered to the approved specifications, they may face limited legal exposure. Conversely, any confirmed breaches in construction practices could lead to prosecution.
As of press time, emergency responders continue to search for survivors amid the rubble. Approximately 26 hours remain within the critical 72-hour period in which individuals trapped by structural failures are statistically most likely to be rescued. Rescue teams are using manual tools and reinforcement techniques to prevent further structural instability, as heavy equipment could pose additional risk.
Senior officials, including Anutin, have reiterated that the immediate priority is to preserve life, while the investigation seeks to establish accountability and restore public trust in state infrastructure projects.
