Seventeen Arrest Warrants Issued Following Bangkok Skyscraper Collapse

A Thai court has issued 17 arrest warrants related to a collapsed skyscraper, killing 89, during a 7.7-magnitude earthquake. Investigators found structural flaws, and one warrant targets businessman Premchai Karnasuta.

Key Points

• A Thai court has issued 17 arrest warrants linked to the collapse of a 30-storey skyscraper during a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in March. Authorities reported recovering 89 bodies, with seven individuals still unaccounted for.
• Police are investigating those involved in the tower’s design, construction, and supervision, including businessman Premchai Karnasuta from Italian-Thai Development PLC. Investigations revealed structural flaws in the building’s lift shaft.
• The tower, meant for the State Audit Office, collapsed despite minimal damage to other Bangkok structures. Over 400 workers were present, and rescue operations utilized drones and heavy machinery. The Myanmar earthquake resulted in over 3,000 deaths and extensive injuries.

Thai Court Issues 17 Arrest Warrants Following Bangkok Skyscraper Collapse

Bangkok, Thailand — A Thai court has issued 17 arrest warrants connected to the dramatic collapse of a skyscraper in Bangkok’s central business district, which occurred on October 1, leaving several injured and prompting widespread public outcry. The warrants target various individuals, including construction officials and project managers, amid allegations of negligence and safety violations.

The incident, which occurred during the building’s final phases of construction, shocked residents and raised questions about regulatory oversight in Thailand’s booming construction sector. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a series of loud cracks before the structure, meant to house commercial offices and luxury residences, crumbled in a cloud of dust and debris. Emergency services reported over a dozen injuries, with several victims still hospitalized in serious condition.

Authorities have indicated that this tragedy could have been prevented, citing “serious lapses” in adhering to safety protocols. The arrests mark an essential step in a wider investigation that could reshape regulatory practices in Thailand’s construction landscape. As families continue to seek answers, the government faces increasing pressure to ensure strict enforcement of building safety laws.

As the ramifications of this collapse unfold, many are advocating for systemic reforms in an industry where rapid urban development often eclipses safety standards.

Citations: Reports from Reuters, Bangkok Post, and statements from local authorities and Thai court issues 17 arrest warrants over Bangkok skyscraper collapse