Bangkok: The State Audit Office (SAO) has announced the results of its inspection of the collapsed building, revealing illegal construction methods, substandard concrete, and charges of conspiracy to forge and use forged documents. The public prosecutor has filed charges against 23 suspects, including both legal entities and individuals, in the Criminal Court.
According to Thai News Agency, the Office of the Auditor General of Thailand (OAG) clarified the incident surrounding the collapse of its new office building on March 28, 2025. Documents and evidence have been submitted to relevant committees and agencies, including the fact-finding committee, the parliamentary committee, and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), among others.
The fact-finding committee's investigation found that the collapse originated from the building's lower floors, attributed to shear forces from an earthquake that compromised the shear walls. Additionally, concrete samples from these walls failed to meet required standards, and construction drawings did not comply with legal requirements, compromising the building's structural integrity. Furthermore, the reinforcing steel at critical connection points was insufficient, weakening these areas.
Criminal proceedings have been initiated following the Bang Sue Metropolitan Police Station's investigation. The public prosecutor has recommended indicting 23 suspects on charges related to non-compliance with building standards, resulting in harm and fatalities, as well as forging and using forged documents. These charges fall under several sections of the Criminal Code and other relevant laws, including the Building Control Act and the Public Procurement and Government Supplies Management Act.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has also investigated potential violations of the Foreign Business Act and offenses related to bidding, recommending indictments to the public prosecutor. The DSI has forwarded cases of alleged corruption by government officials to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for further investigation.
The NACC, upon receiving referrals, requested documents from the OAG, which have been duly provided. Meanwhile, the Department of the Comptroller General conducted an audit on compliance with the Public Procurement and Government Supplies Management Act. The OAG has cooperated with these audits and remains committed to transparency and adherence to legal standards, pledging to take necessary actions if any wrongdoing by officials is uncovered.