Bangkok: Police have forwarded the comprehensive case file regarding the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General building, which was under construction and resulted in the deaths of several workers, to the prosecutor's office. The objective is to determine whether charges should be filed against the suspects involved.
According to Thai News Agency, investigators from Bang Sue Police Station have delivered an extensive case file consisting of 51 boxes, 233 files, and 98,926 pages to the Special Prosecutor for Criminal Litigation 8, Office of the Attorney General, located on Ratchadaphisek Road. The submission includes recommendations to indict 23 suspects, comprising both legal entities and individuals, including Mr. Premchai Karnasuta, Chairman and Managing Director of Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited. The investigation team has recommended charges against him.
The submission was made in person by Pol. Lt. Gen. Nopphasin Poolsawat and Pol. Lt. Gen. Somkhwan Phuengthrap, deputy commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau and head of the investigation team. Following the discussion, Pol. Maj. Gen. Somkhwan revealed that the investigation is complete, and the comprehensive documentation has been handed over to the public prosecutor for further examination. The decision has been made to indict a total of 7 companies and 18 individuals.
The charges against the suspects include professional misconduct in construction-related activities that likely endangered others, causing fatalities, and involvement in document forgery. All suspects remain in detention without bail and are currently in the sixth of seven detention periods.
Pol. Lt. Col. Somkhwan addressed inquiries about government officials potentially implicated in the collapse, noting that related information has been forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) within the required 30 days. Further investigation is necessary to confirm the consistency of the allegations, with plans to gather additional evidence before informing the NACC.
Attorney General Sanchai Chanphong confirmed that the case must be concluded within the detention timeline to issue a formal order. Despite the vast volume of documentation, efforts will be made to ensure a thorough and fair review due to public interest in the case.
When asked about the necessity of forming a dedicated working group to manage the case, Mr. Sanchai indicated that while currently unnecessary, further coordination with police would occur if issues arise. He also mentioned no prior information exchange occurred to expedite the case.
Regarding the possibility of questioning additional witnesses, Mr. Sanchai stated that a decision would be made after reviewing the case details. He emphasized that any requests for justice from the accused would be considered in line with regulations, although no such requests have been made yet.
In a related development, the investigation team has referred a complaint filed by Mr. Damrong Phuttal and Mrs. Narakorn Tiyayon against Mr. Montien Charoenphol, the current State Audit Office Governor, and Mr. Prajak Boonyang, the former Governor, to the NACC. The charges involve alleged negligence causing multiple deaths and official misconduct, as per the Organic Act on the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption.