Report Legal Action: 23 Indicted for Bangkok Tower Tragedy

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Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a significant legal development, Thai prosecutors have indicted 23 individuals, including leaders from prominent construction firms, following the collapse of the State Audit Office tower in Bangkok. This incident, which occurred during a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in neighbouring Myanmar on 28 March, resulted in the tragic loss of at least 95 lives, primarily construction workers.

 

The partially constructed 30-storey tower in Bangkok's Chatuchak district was the only building to suffer such a catastrophic collapse during the quake. The project's construction was a joint effort between Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD) and China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Ltd, a subsidiary of China's state-owned enterprise, China Railway Group.

 

Prominent among those charged is Premchai Karnasuta, ITD's president, and an executive from China Railway Number 10 (Thailand). They, along with 21 others, face serious allegations, including breaches of construction regulations and negligence leading to death. Sakkasem Nisaiyok, spokesperson for the Office of the Attorney General, confirmed these charges, which highlight critical lapses in construction practices and oversight.

 

Further charges involve the forgery of engineering documents, adding another layer of severity to the accusations. Initial investigations pointed to design and construction flaws as primary causes of the tower's collapse. Despite requests for comments, ITD has remained silent, while representatives from China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Ltd were unreachable.

 

The indicted individuals, including Mr Premchai and 14 others, have denied all charges since their arrest in May. The legal situation remains fluid, with ongoing investigations exploring potential collusion in project bidding. This broader inquiry could implicate up to 70 state officials, according to the Department of Special Investigation.

 

The case has stirred significant interest and concern across the region, not only due to the loss of life but also regarding the integrity of construction practices in Thailand. The pursuit of justice in this complex legal landscape underscores the critical importance of stringent safety standards and accountability in construction industries.

 

Conversion of the legal ramifications into local currency shows the substantial economic stakes involved. For instance, should fines or reparations be imposed, they could translate into millions of Thai Baht, further amplifying the case's impact on the firms involved.

 

This case remains pivotal as authorities work to ensure that those responsible are held to account and to prevent future tragedies in Thailand's rapidly developing urban landscapes. As investigations proceed, the unfolding details will be closely watched, both for their legislative implications and their broader impact on public safety regulations.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-08