File photo for reference only

 

Amidst a parliamentary investigation, architectural firm Forum Architect Co Ltd, alongside Meinhardt (Thailand), has refuted claims of having made design changes to the State Audit Office (SAO) headquarters, which collapsed following the March 28 earthquake.

 

The House Committee on Corruption Prevention and Suppression, led by Pheu Thai MP Chalad Khamchuang, is probing potential construction irregularities tied to structural failures and alleged modifications, particularly in the elevator shaft design.

 

The tragic collapse of the 30-storey building in Chatuchak, Bangkok, which was the city's sole high-rise to fall during the quake, resulted in 89 confirmed deaths and seven missing among the 109 workers present.

 

Theerachai Phanthumas, deputy chairman of the committee, scrutinised Forum Architect's managing director, Suchat Chutipabhakorn. Suchat affirmed that no official design revisions were ever submitted post approval. He clarified that while their consultation involved decorating the lift shaft with marble, no formal alterations to the design were executed.

 

Meinhardt (Thailand)'s director, Theera Wattanasup, acknowledged suggesting a reduction in wall thickness to better accommodate interior finishes, paired with necessary structural reinforcements. However, he maintained that these suggestions did not have the authority to be enacted, as only the SAO could approve such changes.

 

Engineer Pimol Charoenying, who initially certified the design, corroborated that he had only seen the original plans, not any revised versions.

 

Further concerns raised by the committee involve potential use of inferior materials like steel and concrete, casting doubt on cost-cutting measures possibly amounting to 300 million baht. Ensuring proper technical oversight and adherence to payment procedures is now imperative.

 

The committee intends to summon the former SAO head who oversaw the contract to provide clarity on oversight measures and any design modifications. This comprehensive investigation aims to ascertain accountability and prevent future catastrophes.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-15

 

 

BREAKING: Arrest warrants have been issued on Thursday for Italian-Thai boss Premchai Kannasuta and 17 others, including engineers, supervisors, and the joint venture, involved in the State Audit Office building collapse case.

 

The examination of documentary and witness evidence revealed that the construction plans did not comply with ministerial regulations and standards. The elevator shaft core of the building was not located in the center but was shifted to the rear edge, causing the building's center of torsion to deviate from its geometric center. When the building swayed due to the earthquake, the elevator shaft core and the base columns collapsed almost simultaneously, causing the entire building to fall vertically and rapidly.

https://x.com/KhaosodEnglish/status/1922956233390293342

 

 

Queue the finger-pointing.