ACT Demands Expanded Probe into State Audit Office Building Collapse

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

Over 50 days after the catastrophic collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building, which claimed about 100 lives, the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) is pushing for a broader investigation encompassing those in influential roles who may have contributed to the disaster. ACT's secretary-general, Mana Nimitmongkol, has raised concerns about the greater implications of the collapse, pointing out the significant loss of public funds—over 2 billion baht—and the erosion of public trust in the integrity of state construction projects.

Mr Mana stressed that the current investigations, which have led to the arrest of 17 suspects, should not conclude with just the contractors or operational staff. He insists that scrutiny must also extend to those who held authority, such as budget approvers and project inspectors, and who might have facilitated or gained from decisions that culminated in the tragedy.

Despite some actions being initiated, Mr Mana criticised the lack of clarity regarding the division of investigative responsibilities among key agencies like the Royal Thai Police, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Department of Public Works, and the Ministry of Industry.

The ACT has urged the prime minister to appoint a government representative with full authority to coordinate between state agencies and ensure the public is frequently updated with transparent findings. This representative would be tasked with unmasking those behind the disaster and hastening legal proceedings.

Additionally, the ACT calls for implementing preventative measures to avert future disasters by conducting comprehensive audits on all state construction projects and holding negligent parties accountable. They also suggested tracing the financial transactions of a foreign financier suspected of links to the collapse's main culprits, urging agencies like the DSI and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) to employ money-laundering laws, while the Revenue Department audits their tax records.

Mr Mana issued a stark warning to the government: delay in addressing this crisis or lack of transparency will leave the ACT no choice but to collaborate with civil society to publish its findings and ramp up pressure. "Silence is complicity," he remarked, underlining the critical need for accountability and action in what remains a significant national scandal.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-22