A Turkish engineer, Abdullah Aybaba, linked to a deadly building collapse in Adana, Turkey, has been arrested in Pattaya, Chon Buri. The arrest follows an Interpol Red Notice issued after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in February 2023 caused over 60,000 deaths in Turkey and Syria, including 40 fatalities in Adana's Sami Bey apartment collapse. Aybaba, the building's contractor, is accused of using illegal, substandard materials, leading to charges of negligence.
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Police apprehended Aybaba at a hotel after receiving a tip and subsequently revoked his visa. He was taken to the provincial immigration office and handed over to Nong Prue police for further proceedings. Turkish authorities have been pursuing Aybaba, one of four individuals facing trial, with potential prison sentences of up to two years for negligence causing death.
The investigation revealed illegal construction practices at the collapsed site. Aybaba's daughter, residing in England since 2017, is also implicated, claiming she was unknowingly involved due to the transfer of company shares. She denies any role in the project, stating she was unaware of her father's business dealings.
Looking ahead, Aybaba faces legal proceedings in Turkey as officials continue to tackle accountability in the aftermath of the earthquake. The arrest highlights ongoing efforts to address construction violations and pursue justice for the victims.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 23 Apr 2026
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