Photo by Faruk Tokluoğlu
A Thai court has issued 17 arrest warrants for individuals linked to the construction of a skyscraper that collapsed during a powerful earthquake in March, claiming at least 89 lives.
The 30-storey building, which was under development to serve as the new headquarters for the State Audit Office, crumbled after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck neighboring Myanmar. The tremors extended to Bangkok, causing widespread panic and visible damage across the Thai capital.
Authorities have confirmed the recovery of 89 bodies from the ruins of the collapsed tower. Seven individuals are still missing, and rescue teams continue efforts to locate them. Over 400 construction workers were on site at the time of the collapse, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving sniffer dogs, drones, cranes, and excavators.
The Thai police, leading the investigation into the tragedy, reported that the 17 warrants were issued against individuals involved in various aspects of the building’s development — including architectural design, engineering, construction, and site supervision. Local media identified one of the suspects as Premchai Karnasuta, a prominent businessman and former president of Italian-Thai Development PLC, one of the country’s largest construction companies.
While authorities have yet to publish a final report on the collapse, initial findings suggest significant structural weaknesses in the building. Thai news outlets reported on Thursday that investigators uncovered serious flaws in the construction of a lift shaft within the structure. These faults may have contributed to the tower’s inability to withstand the earthquake’s force.
Dramatic footage circulated online in the aftermath of the quake showed high-rise buildings throughout Bangkok visibly swaying. Water from rooftop swimming pools was seen cascading down onto the streets, alarming residents and bystanders. Despite the intensity of the tremors, the majority of buildings in the capital sustained only minor damage.
The State Audit Office tower stood out as the most severe structural casualty. The sleek, modern skyscraper — clad in blue glass and steel — was located directly opposite Bangkok’s bustling Chatuchak Market, a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The building had been under construction for three years, with a total investment exceeding two billion Thai baht (approximately $59 million or £45 million).
The collapse has sparked nationwide concern about construction standards and regulatory oversight in Thailand. Calls for greater scrutiny of large-scale building projects have intensified, particularly in seismically active regions.
While the investigation continues, the Thai public awaits the official findings to understand the full extent of any negligence or misconduct that may have led to one of the country’s deadliest construction disasters in recent history.
