On April 18, 2025, rescue operations continued at the site of a devastating building collapse in Bangkok, Thailand, which occurred on March 28. The building, intended to house the Office of the Auditor General, collapsed due to an earthquake that originated in Myanmar. As the search for survivors intensifies, the situation remains dire, with many still unaccounted for.
By 9:50 AM on April 18, the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team was preparing to recover additional bodies from Zone B of the wreckage. Bangkok Governor Chatchai Sitthiphanthu was present at the site, closely monitoring the ongoing efforts. The atmosphere was tense as rescue workers utilized heavy machinery and collaborated in their search for the missing.
Reports indicate that the rescue operation has been ongoing since the evening of April 17, when the USAR team inspected Zone C and discovered two deceased individuals—a woman and a man—who were subsequently removed from the rubble. Their bodies have been sent for identification and autopsy at the Police Hospital's forensic institute.
As of 10:00 AM on April 18, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center (DPPC) reported that a total of 103 people had been involved in the incident, with 42 confirmed dead (two of whom are awaiting identification), nine injured, and 50 still missing. This tragic incident has raised significant concerns regarding the building's construction standards, as investigations reveal that it did not adhere to the required specifications.
The investigation into the collapse has been classified as a special case by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Allegations have surfaced regarding possible bid-rigging and the involvement of a Chinese company in the construction process. Furthermore, there are claims that the names and signatures of supervising engineers were falsified, raising questions about the integrity of the project.
In light of the ongoing crisis, the DPPC has coordinated with Wisawakorn Group and Wisawakorn Architects to assess the building for potential risks and ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. The focus remains on locating those still trapped under the debris and providing support to the victims' families.
The collapse of the Office of the Auditor General building has sparked outrage among the public and officials alike. Many are demanding accountability and thorough investigations into the circumstances that led to this catastrophic event. "We must ensure that such negligence does not occur again," said Governor Sitthiphanthu during a press briefing.
Rescue teams have faced numerous challenges in their efforts, including unstable debris and the risk of further collapses. Despite these obstacles, they remain committed to their mission, working tirelessly to recover the missing and provide closure to the families impacted by this tragedy.
The emotional toll of the disaster is palpable, as families wait anxiously for news of their loved ones. The community has come together, offering support and assistance to those affected. Local organizations have set up donation drives to provide aid to the victims' families and support the ongoing rescue efforts.
As the days pass, the urgency of the situation becomes more pronounced. With each hour, the hope of finding survivors diminishes, yet the determination of the rescue teams remains unwavering. The search and rescue operation will continue until every possible effort has been made to locate those still missing.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of construction safety and adherence to regulations. As investigations proceed, the focus will not only be on recovery but also on ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent future tragedies.
In the face of adversity, the resilience of the affected community shines through. As they navigate this heartbreaking situation, their strength and solidarity offer a glimmer of hope amid the despair.
