Bangkok Governor Sets End-of-April Target to Clear Collapsed Building Debris

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has announced that the height of the collapsed Office of the Auditor General building has now been reduced from 26 metres to 20.5 metres, raising hopes of locating more bodies. The high-rise structure crumbled following an earthquake, with the most affected zones believed to be floors 24 to 29.

 

Speaking at the disaster site at 11:00 on 14 April, Governor Chadchart stated that evidence strongly suggests many workers were on the upper floors when the building collapsed. Due to extreme shaking during the quake, it is believed that many were unable to escape in time via emergency stairwells, becoming trapped instead.

 

 

Despite some private rescue teams beginning to withdraw from the scene, Chadchart assured the public that the operation remains fully staffed, with around 500 Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) personnel still working at full capacity. He confirmed that all essential equipment, including fuel and hydraulic lines, remains in good supply, with approximately 5,100 litres of fuel consumed daily.

 

The governor set a target to complete removal of the debris by the end of April.

 

Heavy machinery, alongside drone surveillance, is being used to assist in the search, particularly in zones B and C, where emergency staircases and lift shafts are located. These areas are being prioritised as potential sites where victims bodies may be found.

 

Four more bodies were discovered on 13 April in Zone C, bringing the official death toll to 41. A total of 53 people remain unaccounted for.

 

Governor Chadchart reiterated that every human remain will be recovered, and all victims will be identified. Modern forensic technology, including DNA analysis, will be used, and where necessary, identification will also rely on clothing and other personal effects.

 

He also encouraged families of undocumented migrant workers not to fear coming forward to provide DNA samples for identification purposes, emphasising that no legal action would be taken against them.

 

Regarding the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) entering the site to collect additional forensic evidence, the governor confirmed it has not affected rescue operations and said the BMA fully supports the investigation.

 

-- 2025-04-15

 

[hotchilli]

On 4/15/2025 at 3:40 AM, Georgealbert said:

The governor set a target to complete removal of the debris by the end of April.

A tall order..

[jcmj]

That’ll be hard to complete in 14 days plus dealing with the removal of the bodies, which I’m sure will be much higher than expected. Take your time and do it properly. What’s the rush at this point? Getting ready to build again?