Bangkok tower collapse implicates 70 public officials in corruption and negligence scandal
Bangkok's Collapsed State Audit Office Building: A Tale of Bidding Scandals and Alleged Misconduct
In the heart of Thailand's capital, a 2.1-billion-baht, 30-story tower that was part of the state landscape has become a somber reminder of suspicious dealings. Seventy state officials, including former and current executives, have found themselves in the crosshairs following the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in 2025. The audacious structure, the only high-rise to topple during a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, claimed the lives of 89 workers and left seven still missing.
In a press conference, Pol Capt Surawoot Rungsai, the DSI deputy secretary-general, revealed a web of collusion, with these officials manipulating bids to favor certain contractors. The bidding terms were reportedly altered to benefit a company within the PKW joint venture, granting it eligibility for contracts in design, construction, and inspection.
The magnitude of corruption is still under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to determine whether the bidding process was intentionally fixed to favor PKW. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) completed its probe on March 22, and handed over the findings to the NACC, as per Pol Capt Surawoot.
Although the investigations are ongoing, insider information from people close to the state officials and the SAO has been instrumental in the investigation. Intriguingly, when queried about the incumbent Auditor-General, Monthien Charoenpol, Pol Capt Surawoot remained cryptic, merely stating that "all the names are in there."
Evidence uncovered by the DSI during three raids of PKW's headquarters suggests that construction inspections were never conducted. This negligence is believed to have contributed to the building's collapse.
The DSI also forwarded a case file to prosecutors in another investigation concerning China Railway No.10 (Thailand) Co Ltd, one of the building's contractors, and the use of nominees. Moreover, whispers of irregularities in connection with the project stretch as far back as 2009, during the review of the original design contract.
Historically, the NACC has found grounds for charges against former auditor-general Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka and others in relation to the project. The investigation ended with a report submitted to prosecutors in 2024.
Delving into the wreckage of this calamity and the allegations that shadow its construction promises an intricate tapestry of bribery, misconduct, and deception. To unravel the full story, it's essential to trace the footprints of this tale of corruption as it unfolds, from its initial inception in 2009 to the shocking collapse in 2025.
The ongoing investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has shed light on policy-and-legislation irregularities and potential politics influencing the construction of the State Audit Office building, revealing a web of collusion and manipulation in order-and-bid processes. This controversy has also raised concerns in the general-news sphere and the crime-and-justice realm, as allegations of corruption, negligence, and the use of nominees continue to surface in relation to the project.
