A Thai court has responded to the tragic collapse of a skyscraper in Bangkok with the issuance of arrest warrants for 17 individuals, including key figures in the construction industry. This incident, which led to the deaths of numerous workers during a major earthquake, has raised serious concerns about construction standards in Thailand.
Details of the Incident
The 30-storey State Audit Office tower collapsed on 28 March 2024, during a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that originated in neighbouring Myanmar. This catastrophic event is noted to be one of the deadliest construction-related incidents in the country, with search teams recovering 89 bodies from the rubble and seven people still reported missing.
Charges and Investigation
- The arrests involve personnel from various companies, particularly Italian-Thai Development (ITD), one of Thailand’s largest construction firms.
- Charges include violations of building codes that led to fatalities, potentially resulting in life imprisonment for the involved parties.
- Initial investigations have indicated that substandard materials, including defective steel rebars, may have been employed in the tower’s construction.
Notable People Involved
Among those targeted, the most prominent is Premchai Karnasuta, the former president of ITD, who has faced legal issues in the past. Authorities from the Thai anti-corruption agency had previously highlighted irregularities in the skyscraper’s construction to relevant agencies.
As investigations continue, there’s a growing demand for improved safety regulations and accountability in building practices to prevent future tragedies. The construction sector in Thailand will likely face increased scrutiny moving forward.