Bangkok: One month after the earthquake, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has initiated a thorough examination of construction documents pertaining to the State Audit Office building by opening 24 shipping containers. These documents are crucial for ongoing investigations into nominee and bid-rigging cases. The DSI, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, Bang Sue Police Station, forensic officers, representatives from the PKW Joint Venture, and Italian-Thai Development Co., Ltd., convened at the Joint Command Center to commence this significant operation.
According to Thai News Agency, the inspection process is divided into four task forces, each comprising police, the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, and the DSI. Teams led by representatives from the Italian-Thai Development Company and PKW Joint Venture are focusing on uncovering documents related to project implementation and bidding processes. Special attention is being given to Cabinet 19, known for housing numerous document shelves. Cabinets containing evidence will be seized, while those without will be returned.
Pol. Lt. Col. Suravut Rangsai, Deputy Director-General of the DSI and head of the special case investigation team, stated that the team, alongside the chief engineer of the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, Royal Thai Police, and the Forensic Science Division, is meticulously examining the 24 seized containers. The goal is to gather essential construction documents, shop drawings, and work documents from both Chinese and Thai engineers, along with material inspection details such as those for concrete and steel, which are not available at the Office of the Auditor General or other government agencies.
When questioned about concerns regarding the completeness of the documents due to past incidents of smuggling, Pol. Lt. Col. Suravut expressed confidence, noting that all previously smuggled documents had been recovered through close collaboration with the police.
Representatives from Italian-Thai Development and PKW Joint Venture were present as observers, while China Railway Number 10 did not send a representative, as Italian-Thai Development represented the company. The documents obtained will aid both the DSI and the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning in their respective fact-finding investigations.
The questioning of 40 engineers, scheduled to begin tomorrow, will occur at a rate of 10 engineers per day over four days. The attendance of all engineers will be monitored to ensure comprehensive statements are obtained.
Today marks the one-month anniversary of the collapse of the State Audit Office building, with officials from various agencies continuing their search efforts for the deceased.