File photo for reference only

In one of the biggest scandals to hit Bangkok, 70 state officials are under the spotlight for their alleged involvement in a bidding collusion tied to the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building.

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has implicated former and current SAO executives, as well as 10 committees singled out for their role in the events leading to the disaster.

 

On March 28, 2025, an earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale caused the swift fall of the 2.1-billion-Baht, 30-storey skyscraper, ending in tragedy with 89 fatalities and leaving seven others unaccounted for.

 

It's alleged that the SAO executives manipulated the bidding process to secure contracts for a specific joint venture called PKW. The PKW group encompasses companies PN Synchronize, KP Consultants and Management, and W and Associates Consultants.

 

Changes were reportedly made to favour PKW by altering bid terms, yet the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will have the final say on whether this was intentional manipulation.

 

In a significant development, the DSI has just wrapped its investigation, turning over its findings to the NACC. The official probe, backed by the authority of the NACC, will determine whether the evidence holds up against these high-profile officials.

 

With 121 boxes of documents from PKW’s headquarters already collected in previous raids, the DSI unveils that inspection failures were a linchpin in the building's dramatic fall.

 

Adding another twist, at least two insiders have reportedly spilt the beans, offering crucial details to investigators. Rumours swirl around the involvement of the current Auditor-General, Monthien Charoenpol, but officials remain tight-lipped on any individual specifics. The recent revelation that past suspicions and irregularities date back to 2009 hints at a larger, darker backdrop to this saga.

 

Between its spectacular rise and calamity-laden tumble, the SAO building saga now pivots from property tragedy to gripping legal drama. Only time will tell the full story as eyes remain glued to the NACC's upcoming decisions.

 

With the DSI having already pursued another angle involving the use of dummy contractors by China Railway No.10 (Thailand) Co Ltd, the plot further thickens. The Chinese contractor was implicated as part of the building's tarnished creation, bringing a broader international scope into play.

 

Whether justice will serve those affected by the quake disaster remains pending upcoming NACC rulings. The drip-feed of revelations adds layers while fostering an air of anticipation for the next chapter in this sobering narrative.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-05

 

 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

In a significant development, the DSI has just wrapped its investigation, turning over its findings to the NACC. The official probe, backed by the authority of the NACC, will determine whether the evidence holds up against these high-profile officials.

 

Here is the biggest stumbling block, everyone knows who is to blame, but position will determine if they will face justice, look no further than other highly influentional families for how the system works - Sad !!!

Do they have a witness protection program here in Thailand?

7 hours ago, Emdog said:

Do they have a witness protection program here in Thailand?

I doubt it.

So the State Audit Office is getting an audit. How very Thai-some!

20 hours ago, Emdog said:

Do they have a witness protection program here in Thailand?

Yes, it's called "Disappearance." 

On 6/5/2025 at 8:01 AM, webfact said:

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has implicated former and current SAO executives, as well as 10 committees singled out for their role in the events leading to the disaster.

Any surprises there ?

Once some culprits are led to the gallows, dust will settle and all go back to "business as usual". 

12 minutes ago, Sydebolle said:

Once some culprits are led to the gallows, dust will settle and all go back to "business as usual". 

If only the gallows were still in use (or a firing squad), and preferably televised, the example would have an excellent effect on future behaviours.

    10 committees involved with the building's construction.  10 committees, each full of members wanting their piece of the pie.  No wonder it collapsed.  

mfd101:       Could not agree more

When they had the news items a couple weeks back re a bunch of people being hauled into court in connection with the building's collapse, it was telling that a couple of Thai defendants were named as part of the case, but absolutely ZERO Chinese names were among those at least specifically listed as being cited.

 

I have an abiding fear that Thailand, in the end, is simply not going to hold the Chinese involved in this tragedy responsible for their part of what occurred.

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1360884-premchai-14-others-remanded-in-custody-following-fatal-bangkok-building-collapse/

 

Premchai, 14 Others Remanded in Custody Following Fatal Bangkok Building Collapse

May 17

 

 

On 6/5/2025 at 12:22 PM, Emdog said:

Do they have a witness protection program here in Thailand?

Yes.....but they all died !!!

Witness protection - an oil barrel and concrete.....