Seventeen face charges for negligence in Bangkok skyscraper collapse
- Seventeen individuals, including a prominent construction magnate, are facing criminal charges related to a deadly building collapse.
- The incident took place during a massive earthquake in Myanmar, which led to severe structural failure in the under-construction tower.
- Authorities are probing into the negligence and potential regulatory failures in the Thai construction industry following the disaster.
In Thailand, on March 28, 2025, a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck Myanmar, causing significant tremors felt in Bangkok. One of the critical consequences was the collapse of a 30-storey tower under construction meant to serve as the new State Audit Office. This incident resulted in the tragic loss of 92 lives, with a number of individuals still reported missing. Subsequently, authorities began investigating the structure's integrity and whether the builders had adhered to safety standards that could have prevented this disaster. Following the ongoing investigation, a Criminal Court issued 17 arrest warrants for individuals implicated in the project's design, construction, and supervision. Among those charged was Premchai Karnasuta, the president of Italian-Thai Development PLC, who turned himself in alongside others accused of professional negligence causing death. Investigators highlighted serious structural flaws, particularly in the core lift shaft, and cited substandard concrete and steel. Allegations of irregular documentation related to the project have surfaced, raising questions about corruption and oversight in the construction sector in Thailand. Following the earthquake, efforts to rescue victims and recover remains involved drones and excavators, although the official search was halted after confirming the fatalities. The wider impact of the earthquake in Myanmar was severe, resulting in over 3,700 deaths and significant devastation to Mandalay and Naypyitaw.