Audit professional denies connection to blueprint ofstructural collapse

The Collapse of the State Audit Office Building: A Complex Inquiry Unfolds

After the tragic collapse of Bangkok's State Audit Office (SAO) building following the March 28 earthquake, a comprehensive probe is underway, with several key agencies investigating various aspects such as contract management, construction materials, and procurement compliance.

Former auditor-general Phisit Leelavachiropas has distanced himself from any involvement in the building design, stating that his tenure ended before the design and contract stages began, around 2018-19, with contracts signed in 2020-21. He also addressed concerns about a photo of him with Chinese businessmen claimed to have ties with the project, asserting that he neither knew them nor was aware of their involvement.

The probe is being spearheaded by multiple governmental bodies, including the Comptroller General’s Department, which is focusing on investigating the contract termination authority, as well as auditing the material quality compliance under procurement laws. Collaborating with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Ministry of Industry is looking into potential foreign business operations and bid collusion.

The inquiry into the use of substandard materials is ongoing, with the DSI analyzing steel, cement, and concrete samples. This scrutiny aims to determine whether these materials played a part in the collapse. The Comptroller General’s Department is also examining the SAO's procurement standards and material quality.

Interestingly, the DSI's investigation into foreign business operations and potential bid collusion does not explicitly mention CREC 10's shareholding status. However, the broader examination of unlawful foreign entities involved in material supply or construction could encompass possible connections to CREC 10.

In the aftermath of the disaster, Thailand's rescue workers have been working tirelessly, with 66 deaths confirmed as of Wednesday, nine injuries, and 28 still missing. As the retrieval operations continue, the hope is that more bodies will be found within the next two weeks.

Also in the news, Thitipong Phoprom, head of the SAO project's electrical subcontracting team, has submitted a petition to the Ministry of Justice seeking payment for work from 9PK Group, a subcontractor of CREC 10, which allegedly owes over 10 million baht to numerous subcontractors, including Mr. Phoprom himself. Despite prior attempts at resolution, the petition remains unaddressed.

The complexities surrounding this investigation highlight the importance of a thorough investigation, with a focus on the contract management, the construction materials used, and the compliance with procurement laws. As the various agencies gather evidence and work together, it is crucial to approach the investigation with patience and a commitment to uncovering the truth. Only then can the victims, their families, and the people of Thailand receive the answers and accountability they deserve.

Editorial:Patience Required in Investigating the State Audit Office Collapse

In light of the ongoing investigation, it’s essential to maintain patience as the authorities dissect the intricacies surrounding the collapse. With various agencies working together, including the Comptroller General’s Department, Ministry of Industry, and the DSI, thoroughness should be prioritized over haste. Public pressure for answers is understandable, but rushing through the investigation risks compromising its integrity and potentially leading to incorrect conclusions. Ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the causes behind the tragedy, as well as the accountability of those involved, can only be achieved through diligent, meticulous work.

The Comptroller General’s Department is also examining the involvement of subcontractors, such as 9PK Group, in the procurement process of the State Audit Office building and the compliance with material quality.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is looking into the role of General News agencies, specifically those from Myanmar, in disseminating information about the collapse, particularly unverified reports of crime and justice, and car-accidents related to the project.
The audit of the SAO's financial records, specifically the payments made to subcontractors like 9PK Group, is being handled by auditor Phisit Leelavachiropas, who has taken on the task despite his recent retirement, to ensure all unanswered financial issues are addressed.
As the investigation progresses, the public is encouraged to stay informed about the General-News surrounding the State Audit Office collapse, which includes updates on the status of the investigation, the findings of material analysis, and the progress in the retrieval efforts, rather than relying on unverified information from unreliable sources, like crime and justice websites or social media.