Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has signed the appointment of a committee to investigate the collapse of the State Audit Office building following a recent earthquake, with results expected within seven days. The investigation will scrutinize everything from the building's design to its construction, holding both Thai and Chinese companies accountable. The Chinese ambassador has brought earthquake experts to Thailand for discussions.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anutin, alongside Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Deputy Minister of Interior, and Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, met with Mr. Han Zhiqiang, Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, and an expert from China's Ministry of Emergency Management. The meeting, coordinated by the Chinese government, aimed to address the earthquake's impact, focusing on the collapsed building.
Mr. Anutin expressed gratitude to Mr. Han and the Chinese government for their support. He highlighted that while the collapse of the new State Audit Office building was the most significant damage, other structures in Bangkok and beyond remained largely unaffected. The Thai government plans a swift investigation into the collapse, given the building was designed to withstand earthquakes.
Post-discussion, Mr. Anutin noted that the Chinese government had sent an earthquake expert to assess the site. The expert acknowledged the standard of ongoing rescue operations and emphasized the urgency of locating any survivors. Mr. Anutin also addressed the involvement of Chinese contractors, clarifying that their role was to assist in assessment, not fact-finding.
Regarding rumors of unauthorized removal of documents from the site, Mr. Anutin assured that a committee has been established to investigate the building's construction. This committee, featuring experts from the Department of Public Works, is expected to deliver findings within a week. He emphasized that key documents remain secure with the Office of the Auditor General.
Mr. Anutin explained the approval process for government buildings, noting that while the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) approved the construction, the focus of the investigation would be on the designer, supervisor, and builder. The project, a joint venture between Thailand and China, necessitates shared responsibility.
The investigation aims to understand why the newly constructed building failed to withstand the earthquake, given the legal requirements since 1997 for earthquake-resistant design. With the earthquake registering a magnitude of 7.8, Mr. Anutin noted that over 95% of buildings remained intact, underscoring the need to identify flaws in the collapsed structure.
In provincial areas, public works officers are conducting inspections of public buildings, schools, and hospitals. In Bangkok, annual inspections by building owners are being expedited, with cooperation from the Ministry of Interior to ensure resident safety and confidence.