Bangkok: The Prime Minister has disclosed the findings of a comprehensive investigation into the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General building, revealing that the structure was designed and constructed using illegal methods. The investigation, which spanned 90 days, identified substandard elevator and stairwell walls as key contributors to the building's failure. The Prime Minister is preparing to forward the findings to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the police to identify those responsible, emphasizing that the issue will not be overlooked.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra took place at Thai Khu Fah Building, Government House. Attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Minister of Interior Ms. Thirarat Samretwanich, Permanent Secretary of Interior Mr. Arsit Samphantharat, Director-General of the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning Mr. Pongnara Yenying, and several engineering experts. The meeting aimed to review the results of the fact-finding investigation into the construction of the building, which collapsed following an earthquake on March 28, 2025.
The Prime Minister announced that the investigation received full cooperation from the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, and King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi. Their collaborative efforts, supported by building modeling technology, led to the consistent conclusion that design flaws and construction methods, particularly in the elevator shaft and staircase walls, were to blame. Although the materials used were standard, issues arose with substandard concrete, raising concerns about the potential use of such materials in other constructions. The legal compliance of the building's design and construction was also scrutinized, with findings indicating that adherence to regulations would have increased the building's resilience to vibrations.
The Prime Minister reassured the public that other construction projects have undergone strict material inspections and are not facing similar issues. The findings will be compiled into a report and submitted to the DSI and police within two weeks. He clarified that the collapse's root cause was the illegal design and construction practices specific to this project.
In addressing accountability, the Prime Minister stated that the police and DSI would determine the parties responsible. He noted that while there were no issues with the steel used, other materials were improperly utilized, deviating from the rules which led to the building's failure. The investigation employed expert analysis and technology over 90 days, resulting in comprehensive insights.
When questioned about potential responsibility by the Office of the Auditor General, the Prime Minister reiterated that the DSI and police would conduct a detailed investigation to establish accountability. He emphasized the importance of adhering to due process to ensure an impartial outcome.
Despite inquiries about the weight of blame and its impact, the Prime Minister refrained from attributing fault, underscoring the need for neutrality. He assured the public that the investigation into the building's collapse will continue transparently and methodically, dismissing concerns about political influences.
The Prime Minister concluded by affirming that the matter would remain active, with a report set for release in two weeks to guide further actions by the DSI and police. The public's anticipation for answers over the past 90 days has been acknowledged, with the investigation's findings now in place to inform subsequent proceedings.