On May 6, 2025, the search and recovery efforts at the collapsed building of the Office of the Auditor General in Bangkok have reached a critical stage. The structure, which was severely damaged in an earthquake on March 28, is currently undergoing extensive clearance operations. Suriyachai Raweewan, the director of the Bangkok Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, announced that all areas of the basement have been opened up for inspection, with only the debris near the adjacent parking structure remaining to be cleared.
The incident has left 109 individuals affected, with 87 confirmed dead, 9 injured, and 13 still unaccounted for. Authorities have been working tirelessly to locate these missing persons, with the hope of completing the search within the next few days.
According to Raweewan, the remaining debris is approximately 3 meters high and spans 15 to 20 meters wide. "We expect it will take about 2 to 3 more days to clear this area completely," he stated during a press briefing. The urgency of the operation is underscored by the fact that heavy machinery is being used around the site, which poses risks of further structural collapse.
As of the latest updates, no additional victims have been found in the rubble since the operation commenced. However, the search teams are still awaiting the results of DNA tests on 280 human remains collected from the site, which will help identify any missing persons. Raweewan emphasized the importance of these tests, stating, "We need to confirm whether the remains belong to the missing individuals from the incident. If discrepancies arise, we will need to reassess the number of missing persons."
The Incident Command Post (ICP) has been established near the site to coordinate the recovery efforts efficiently. Thaiwut Khan-ngao, an officer overseeing the operation, explained that the building's design included 10 elevators and a total area of approximately 50,000 square meters. The building's structure has tilted since the collapse, raising concerns about the safety of the surrounding area.
"During the collapse, it is likely that some individuals sought refuge in the parking area, which is why we continue to search this zone thoroughly," Khan-ngao noted. The search team is particularly focused on the stairwell area, as simulations suggest that most individuals would have attempted to escape through the fire exit, the only escape route connecting the 30-story building to the parking structure.
Despite the challenges, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has received support from various sectors, with over 80 pieces of heavy machinery and approximately 300 personnel engaged in the operation. Daily meetings are held to address any emerging issues and ensure the teams are coordinated effectively.
On the ground, the recovery efforts have been ongoing 24 hours a day, with teams working tirelessly to locate any remaining victims. As of the latest reports, there are still 13 individuals unaccounted for, and officials remain hopeful that they will be found in the coming days.
"We are committed to exhausting all avenues in our search for the missing," said Khan-ngao. "The families of the victims are paramount in our minds, and we understand the urgency of bringing closure to this tragic event."
The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as the search progresses. The public and families of the victims are being kept informed as the recovery teams work diligently to clear the site and locate the missing individuals. The aim is to complete the operation by May 10, 2025, as the authorities strive to restore the area and provide support to those affected by this disaster.
As the search continues, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has expressed gratitude for the support received from both public and private sectors, emphasizing the community's role in responding to this crisis. The efforts of the teams on the ground are a testament to the resilience and solidarity of the city in the face of tragedy.
