Thai authorities have issued arrest warrants for 17 individuals, including prominent construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta, in connection with the collapse of a 30-storey skyscraper in Bangkok. The incident, which occurred during a 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 92 people.
Collapse Details
The building, intended to house the State Audit Office, was under construction at the time of the earthquake. It was the only high-rise in Bangkok to collapse during the tremors. Rescue operations recovered 89 bodies, with four individuals still missing. Investigations revealed structural flaws, including issues with the core lift shaft and substandard concrete and steel materials.
Arrest Warrants Issued
The Criminal Court approved arrest warrants for 17 individuals associated with the project. Premchai Karnasuta, former president of Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD), is among those charged with professional negligence causing death. Other suspects include engineers, supervisors, and contractors from design firms Forum Architect and Meinhardt Thailand, as well as the ITD-China Railway No. 10 joint venture.
Surrender and Denials
On May 16, 2025, Premchai Karnasuta and 14 other suspects surrendered to Bangkok police. They have formally denied the charges, with several previously issuing public denials in response to media allegations. Two additional suspects are expected to report to authorities in the coming days.
Premchai Karnasuta’s Background
Premchai Karnasuta is a well-known figure in Thailand’s construction industry. In 2019, he was convicted for poaching protected wildlife in a sanctuary and served approximately three years in prison. His involvement in the current case marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
Conclusion
The collapse of the State Audit Office building has raised serious concerns about construction safety standards and regulatory oversight in Thailand. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings aim to hold accountable those responsible for the tragedy.
