Tragic Findings Released
Investigation Pinpoints Flaws
On June 30, 2025, Thai investigators revealed that design and construction flaws caused the collapse of a 30-story State Audit Office building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district during a March 28 earthquake, claiming 89 lives. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the findings, highlighting critical errors in the building’s structural integrity, a tragedy that has sparked nationwide calls for stricter construction oversight.
Key Structural Failures
Elevator and Stairwell Issues
The investigation, conducted by the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning alongside Chulalongkorn, Kasetsart, and King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, identified improper design and construction of elevator and stairwell walls as the primary cause. These elements, meant to absorb shear force during seismic events, failed to meet engineering standards, leading to the collapse during the 7.7-magnitude Myanmar earthquake.
Material Quality Clarified
Debunking Substandard Claims
Despite earlier speculation, the probe confirmed that the steel, concrete, and other materials used met required standards, refuting claims of substandard steel bars. Paetongtarn emphasized that the failure stemmed from construction techniques, particularly the elevator shaft wall, which violated engineering principles. This finding shifts focus to procedural lapses rather than material defects, prompting scrutiny of industry practices.
Legal Action Underway
Charges Filed Against Executives
Police have filed criminal negligence charges against a prominent Thai construction tycoon and over a dozen executives, engineers, and supervisors involved in the project. The collapsed building, constructed by ITD-CREC—a joint venture between Italian-Thai Development Plc and China Railway Number 10 Thailand Co.—was part of a 2.14 billion baht contract awarded in 2020. Arrest warrants have been issued, signaling a robust legal response to the tragedy.
Contractor Accountability
ITD-CREC Faces Scrutiny
The ITD-CREC joint venture, led by Italian-Thai Development Plc president Premchai Karnasuta, is under intense scrutiny. A fact-finding committee is preparing a detailed report for the Department of Special Investigation and Royal Thai Police, which could lead to further charges. The collapse, the only major structural failure in Bangkok during the earthquake, has raised questions about the firm’s adherence to safety protocols.
Calls for Industry Reform
Strengthening Construction Standards
The disaster, which caused $65 million in damages, per 2025 government estimates, has intensified demands for stricter construction regulations in Thailand. With 70% of Bangkok’s high-rise buildings over 20 years old, per urban planning data, the collapse underscores the need for updated seismic standards and rigorous inspections. Paetongtarn’s administration faces pressure to implement reforms to prevent future tragedies and restore public trust.
