Bangkok Governor Clashes with Councillor Over Collapse Response Focus

Photo via Facebook/ กรุงเทพมหานคร

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt engaged in a tense exchange with a Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) councillor during a meeting at the BMA City Hall on 2nd April. The clash arose from differing views on his priorities at a collapsed building site in Chatuchak. The councillor criticised Chadchart for focusing on "the area where they are already dead," prompting a heated response from the governor.

The meeting began with a minute of silence for those affected by the Myanmar earthquake. The councillor suggested delaying non-urgent agenda items to allow Chadchart to oversee rescue operations at the building collapse site, but this was met with resistance from some members. Chadchart assured the council that he would leave the meeting at 12.30 pm to focus on the rescue operations.

The meeting also addressed other critical issues, including the structural integrity of Bangkok's high-rise buildings and an influenza outbreak, with 160,000 cases reported from January to March. Councillor Peeraphon Kanokwalai expressed concern over the accessibility of influenza vaccines, which many Thai citizens cannot afford.

Peeraphon directed his remarks at Chadchart, emphasising the need to prioritise living citizens by ensuring vaccine availability. He criticised Chadchart’s focus on the collapsed site, urging more care for the living.

In response, Chadchart defended his focus, insisting that hope remains for survivors and urging greater sensitivity. The governor reminded the council and media that the rescue mission continues in earnest, with no fixed deadline, highlighting a survivor response detected under the rubble, spurring efforts to rescue trapped individuals.

The collapse has so far resulted in 15 confirmed deaths, with 72 people still unaccounted for. Chadchart's commitment underscores a balanced approach, maintaining hope for survivors while also addressing ongoing public health concerns, reported The Thaiger.