Rescue Efforts Enter Recovery Phase
No Further Signs of Life Detected Amid Debris
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced on Sunday that rescue teams have not detected any further signs of life beneath the rubble of the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building in Chatuchak district. The collapse, triggered by an 8.2-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, has left rescue operations focused on recovery rather than urgent searches for survivors.
Chadchart addressed the media at the site, stating, “Until now, no more signs of life have been detected. No more calls for help.” He emphasized that the official death toll would be released by police to avoid misinformation.
Shift in Rescue Strategy
From Sprint to Marathon: Coordinating Recovery Operations
The governor likened the transition in rescue efforts to moving from a sprint to a marathon. Initially focused on saving lives, operations now involve steady and methodical debris removal. The rubble has been divided into Zones A, B, C, and D to streamline efforts.
Heavy machinery is now being used to remove large concrete slabs safely. On Saturday night, two bodies were recovered from Zone C, and additional body parts were found on Sunday morning. A burrow-like structure connecting Zones B and C was also discovered, suggesting some workers may have tried to escape through this path during the collapse.
Increasing Fatalities Expected
Heavy Equipment Deployed for Safe Debris Removal
As of Sunday morning, 17 fatalities had been confirmed, with 77 people still missing and nine rescued. Chadchart admitted that the chances of finding survivors were slim and that more bodies would likely be uncovered as debris removal progresses.
Rescuers are focusing on stabilizing the top layers of rubble before digging into deeper areas where stairways and passages once existed. This strategic approach ensures safety for both workers and sniffer dogs involved in locating victims.
Workers Demand Transparency
Open Letter Highlights Concerns Over Casualty Reporting
During Chadchart’s media briefing, representatives of Thai, Myanmar, and Cambodian workers handed him an open letter demanding transparency regarding casualty figures. The governor accepted the letter and expressed his support for the workers while committing to clear communication moving forward.
Construction Firm Responds to Tragedy
ITD-CREC No.10 Reaffirms Compliance with Standards
The ITD-CREC No.10 Joint Venture, responsible for constructing the SAO building, issued a statement expressing deep regret over the incident and extending condolences to affected families. The company emphasized that all construction adhered to strict technical standards and was supervised at every stage.
The firm pledged full cooperation with authorities in ongoing rescue efforts and investigations into the collapse’s causes, including geological and seismic factors. They assured the public of their commitment to safety and transparency throughout this process.
Long Road Ahead for Recovery
Month-Long Effort Expected for Debris Clearance
Deputy Bangkok Governor Tavida Kamolvej estimated that clearing the rubble could take up to a month due to the scale of destruction. Meanwhile, drones are being deployed alongside excavators to identify victims within inaccessible areas quickly.
Chadchart concluded by stressing that while immediate survival chances are diminishing, every effort will continue to recover those still missing and provide closure to affected families.
