Bangkok: The Office of the Auditor General’s Secretariat is actively preparing to verify the authenticity of the engineer’s signature linked to the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General’s building. Investigators are focused on examining critical documentation from 24 containers, which will be sent to the Institute of Forensic Science to determine if the signature is genuine or forged.

According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Somkhwan Phuengtraphon, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Jessada Suaysom, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2, are closely monitoring the progress of the investigation into the building’s collapse. During a meeting that extended over two hours, Pol. Col. Thitiphong Phiwatwuttikun, deputy commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2, stated that the case is advancing steadily. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has examined 24 shipping containers, which serve as temporary offices, for documents pertinent to the construction of the building. Key documents, such as construction records and lists of supervisors, will be seized for inclusion in the main case file, while unrelated documents will be returned. Despite the incident occurring a month ago, no documents have been removed unlawfully from the site due to continuous surveillance. Earlier, four Chinese nationals were apprehended for attempting to remove 32 files f
rom the collapsed building; these documents have since been secured.

The investigation is also addressing the potential forgery of the engineer’s signature on documents, specifically regarding amendments to the elevator shaft design. The original document is expected to be delivered today for forensic analysis. Investigators plan to consult the Engineering Council to verify the engineer’s identity and credentials. Additionally, officers have gathered a third batch of construction materials, including iron rods and cement, to be examined by the Forensic Science Institute and academic experts. These materials include iron from the building pillars that remain intact, contrasting with other materials potentially weakened by the collapse.

While arrest warrants are under consideration, details remain confidential. Over 100 witnesses have been interviewed, but the investigation continues pending results from the Engineering Council, Forensic Science Office, and State Audit Office. Once these are received, the case can be concluded and presented in court.