In a tragic incident that has gripped Bangkok, the search for victims of the collapsed building of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) continues with a grim update. As of May 7, 2025, the death toll has risen to 88, with authorities confirming that the total number of individuals affected by the disaster stands at 109. This includes 12 persons still unaccounted for, sparking urgent efforts to locate them.
The building, a 30-story structure located in the Chatuchak district, collapsed on March 28, 2025, following a significant earthquake. Since then, emergency services have been working tirelessly to clear the debris and locate any survivors trapped beneath the rubble. According to Suriya Ruangroj, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, the search operations have progressed significantly, with all areas of the 40x40 meter building thoroughly examined.
On May 6, Suriya announced that the entire area had been searched, and no additional victims were found. However, as the operations continued, the focus shifted to Zone B of the basement where K9 search dogs indicated the possible presence of additional victims. Authorities have expressed hope that the ongoing search could yield more discoveries.
“Today marks a significant milestone as we have opened up the entire area and removed all expected debris,” Suriya stated. He confirmed that the search operations would continue for another 2-3 days to ensure that all potential areas are investigated thoroughly.
In the latest updates, as of May 7, one body was recovered along with five additional human remains, bringing the total number of identified bodies to 46. Despite the grim situation, officials are determined to continue the search until all missing individuals are accounted for.
Chatchart Sitthiphan, the Governor of Bangkok, emphasized the importance of ensuring that all debris is cleared and that the area is safe for further investigation. “We will not stop until we have confirmed the whereabouts of all individuals reported missing,” he assured. The governor has also expedited the excavation process to facilitate a complete search.
Despite the significant challenges posed by the structural integrity of the collapsed building, emergency teams have been working around the clock with over 80 pieces of heavy machinery to assist in the search and recovery efforts. The operation has faced numerous obstacles, requiring daily planning meetings to address the evolving challenges on-site.
As the search progresses, officials have expressed concerns regarding the accuracy of the reported numbers of missing persons. Suriya mentioned that discrepancies in the data could complicate the identification process, particularly with the remains currently at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine. “We must ensure that the information we have is accurate and complete,” he noted.
The ongoing search efforts are not only focused on the immediate area of the collapsed building but also on adjacent structures that may have been affected by the disaster. Investigations have revealed that several victims may have sought refuge in the parking structure connected to the main building during the collapse. Authorities are keen to ensure that all potential escape routes are thoroughly checked.
As the situation develops, the authorities are committed to maintaining transparency with the public and the media. Suriya has invited journalists to observe the ongoing operations, assuring them that every effort is being made to recover any remaining victims and provide closure to the families affected by this tragedy.
The emotional toll of the disaster is evident, with families of the missing gathering near the site, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. As search crews continue their work, the community has come together, offering support and assistance to those affected.
In light of the ongoing operations, the governor has called for a joint meeting with various agencies involved in the recovery efforts to assess the situation further and strategize on the next steps. This collaboration aims to streamline the processes involved in the search and ensure the safety of all personnel on-site.
As of now, the search remains a priority for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and officials are hopeful that the coming days will bring more positive news. The urgency to locate the remaining missing persons drives the teams as they work tirelessly amidst the rubble.
The situation at the collapsed OAG building serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support in times of crisis. The ongoing efforts by the Bangkok authorities, alongside emergency services, reflect a commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.
