Bangkok ends search after SAO building collapse, police pursue arrests

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, the official end of search and recovery operations at the site of the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) high-rise.

The 30-storey structure in Chatuchak district crumbled following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on 28 March. It was the only high-rise in the Thai capital to collapse.

Scale of the tragedy

At the time of the disaster, 109 workers were inside the government project, valued at 2.136 billion baht (approximately S$84.4 million).

Search teams later confirmed 89 fatalities. Seven individuals remain unaccounted for. Nine workers were injured, and four who were initially reported missing were later confirmed safe, having not been present at the site.

Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej stated on Monday, 12 May, that 296 body parts and bones were recovered from the wreckage. These remains have been sent to Police General Hospital for DNA testing to establish identities.

Final sweep and remembrance

On the last day of recovery, K-9 units were deployed to conduct one final sweep. Following this, 109 monks held a merit-making ceremony to honour the number of individuals present when the collapse occurred.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) led the mission with assistance from soldiers, police, volunteers, and engineers. The site is scheduled to be handed back to the SAO and relevant agencies on Thursday, 15 May.

Governor Chadchart reflected on the operation, saying: “Life goes on. This operation showed the unity of all Thais. We are ready to help each other.”

Motorists have been advised to avoid Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road near the collapse site until Thursday evening as heavy machinery is cleared.

Criminal investigation underway

Alongside the conclusion of recovery efforts, Bangkok police are advancing their criminal investigation. Authorities are preparing to request arrest warrants for 17 individuals linked to the collapse.

The suspects include engineers, site supervisors, and executives affiliated with the joint venture between Italian-Thai Development and China Railway No.10 Engineering Group Co, which managed the SAO project.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) led the probe, supported by forensic experts and academic institutions. Evidence collection included witness testimonies, construction documents, and over 300 samples of steel and concrete.

Engineering irregularities uncovered

Expert assessments were conducted by the Council of Engineers, the Engineering Institute of Thailand, and Chulalongkorn University.

Investigators also uncovered wides

pread document irregularities. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) previously revealed that 30 engineering signatures on project documents had been forged, with only eight confirmed as genuine.

Police sources noted that the 17 suspects fall into three groups: joint venture personnel, site supervisors, and engineers who approved structural designs and oversaw construction.

Charges are expected to be brought under Sections 227 and 238 of Thailand’s Criminal Code. These provisions address engineering negligence and violations leading to fatalities.

Legal and public consequences

The case is set to test Thailand’s regulatory oversight of large-scale infrastructure projects. Analysts say the combination of foreign and domestic contractors, along with weak document verification systems, may have contributed to safety lapses.

Families of the victims are demanding accountability and compensation, while labour groups have called for stricter safety audits on government-funded construction projects.

Authorities are expected to release further updates once the Criminal Court reviews the police request for arrest warrants.