Bangkok Building Collapse: Construction Mogul Faces Negligence Charges After Earthquake Disaster

BANGKOK (AP) — A group of 17 individuals, including building magnate Premchai Karnasuta, architects, and engineers, turned themselves in to police this Friday. They face criminal negligence charges tied to a tragic high-rise collapse in Bangkok during a recent earthquake that began in Myanmar.

This incident claimed 92 lives, with some individuals still unaccounted for. The building, intended as a new State Audit Office, was the only one affected by the quake in Thailand. Search operations for survivors have ended, though DNA efforts continue to identify the deceased.

Evidence indicates that the building’s design did not adhere to safety standards. Reports cite flaws in its core lift shaft, with poor-quality concrete and steel being used. Thai media have closely followed the case, revealing claims of falsified documents related to the project. One key player, the China Railway No. 10 company, is under scrutiny for its role in the joint venture.

Zhang Chuanling, a director from the Chinese firm, was previously arrested for violating Thai business laws. Three Thai executives are involved in the same allegations.

The earthquake’s epicenter was in central Myanmar, leading to over 3,700 casualties and significant destruction in Mandalay and the capital Naypyitaw.

Premchai, who has faced legal issues before, was previously convicted for wildlife poaching in 2019. He served three years in prison for killing protected species, highlighting his troubled history with the law.

This case has sparked discussions about construction safety and regulatory oversight in Thailand, raising concerns about accountability in major projects. The event serves as a reminder of the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations, especially in high-risk areas prone to natural disasters.



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