Bangkok: Entering the 10th day of searching for victims in the collapsed Office of the Auditor General building, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt expects Zone C to hold the highest number of fatalities. Approximately 10-20 bodies have initially been discovered in this area. Meanwhile, "Chang Bird," an electrical system worker, has disclosed ongoing disputes with the hiring company over unpaid wages despite multiple negotiations.
According to Thai News Agency, the timeline of the discovery of body parts has been distressing. The latest finds include two body parts at 10:15 PM in Zone B, an upper and lower body. At 1:15 AM, a part believed to be a hand was found (Zone B). Later, at 6:23 AM, the upper half of a body, gender unknown, was discovered in Zone C, followed by a head at 6:59 AM in Zone B. The identities of two victims have been confirmed.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart has outlined the ongoing progress, noting that Zone C is the most probable area for finding more bodies, necessitating the use of heavy machinery for the search. Approximately 10-20 bodies have been found in this area with no signs of life or calls for help detected.
The search efforts for missing persons in the Office of the Auditor General building remain relentless. The plan involves using heavy machinery to dismantle the building remains, with K9 units and ground officers entering discovered openings. To ensure safety, machinery operation halts immediately upon the entry of officers and K9 dogs.
Meanwhile, Mr. Thitiphong Phothiphrom, known as Chang Bird, expressed frustration over unpaid wages despite fulfilling contractual obligations for electrical installations at the new building from January 2024 to January 2025. Despite negotiations and a contract promising payment by March 24, 2025, the hiring company has delayed payment, citing unapproved funds from the Office of the Auditor General to China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Co., Ltd., leaving subcontractors unpaid.
Efforts to seek legal recourse through the Department of Labor Protection and Bang Sue Police Station were unsuccessful due to his contractor status. Mr. Thitiphong and over 10 other contractors continue to pursue negotiations with the employer without certainty of resolution.
In an act of royal compassion, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya has donated 200,000 baht from her personal funds along with her pet dog 'Khun MI6' for medical and nutritional support for the K9 dogs participating in the search mission. This gesture is regarded as a profound expression of royal grace.