Bangkok: K9 units have halted their search for missing persons at the collapsed State Audit Office building after fulfilling a 10-day operational period. The decision follows standard protocol to prevent potential injuries to the K9 team members. The remaining rescue operations will now require the use of larger machinery.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sutthikiat Sophonik, the head of the K9 USAR Thailand team, stated that after the team had been deployed since March 28, it was deemed appropriate to conclude their mission, adhering to the USAR regulation that typically limits operations to 7-10 days. Continuing beyond this period could pose risks to both K9 units and officers involved.
Globally, USAR teams typically focus on survivor recovery within a 10-day window. With the current operation extending to this limit, the focus is shifting to site cleanup, a task that necessitates large machinery rather than small equipment. The primary responsibility for this phase lies with the main agency overseeing the area. Mr. Sutthikiat compared this mission to previous operations, such as the tunnel collapse in Pak Chong District, emphasizing the importance of safety and preparedness in every mission.
The K9 team has communicated with the USAR Thailand leadership, spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior, about their operational status. Addressing rumors circulating on social media about potential risks to the K9 dogs, Mr. Sutthikiat clarified that the team operates with safety as a priority, and the decision to conclude the mission was made to ensure the safety of all involved.
Reflecting on the operation, Mr. Sutthikiat noted the challenging conditions at the site, including hazards like glass and cement, which required resilience and training from both dogs and handlers. He emphasized that the team's effort is driven by humanitarian goals rather than media attention.
In a related development, a special case investigation team will summon subcontractors for questioning regarding 28 projects involving government agency bidding. This follows a complaint from a subcontractor about wage discrepancies with 9PK Company Limited. The investigation will review contract documents to understand the terms and conditions of subcontracting, as such practices are typically restricted.