The State Audit Office (SAO) has decided not to construct its new headquarters on the collapse site in Chatuchak, Bangkok. This decision follows the tragic destruction of the building by an earthquake in Myanmar on March 28 last year, which took 93 lives and left three missing. Sutthipong Boonnithi, deputy auditor-general, confirmed the agency plans to cancel its land lease with the State Railway of Thailand and continue operating from its current location. Get today's headlines by email The collapse, which occurred during the first anniversary of the tragedy, left a significant emotional impact on the SAO. The disaster happened as part of a major government infrastructure project when the building suddenly gave way, trapping workers. Rescue efforts concluded after almost seven weeks of intensive operations on May 13, 2025, highlighting the severity of the incident. Sutthipong, addressing public concerns, emphasized that the responsibility for the collapse lies with officials involved in procurement and contracting, including the auditor-general and the Central Administration Bureau. He stated that 75 officials have been assigned responsibility for the project, clarifying that the wider SAO staff should not be held accountable. Looking forward, the disaster has provoked calls for reforms in government procurement and project management. As the SAO reflects on this tragedy, the focus will likely shift to ensuring that similar disasters are prevented in future projects. The site remains a poignant reminder of lives lost, shaping the agency's future decisions, reported Thai PBS. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Thai PBS · 24 Mar 2026
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