Photo Credit: Nutthawat Wichieanbut
Police have interviewed nearly 100 individuals as part of their investigation into the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building, according to a senior police officer.
Pol Maj Gen Noppasil Poonsawat, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, stated that investigators are actively gathering evidence for the criminal probe, which includes witness statements, forensic examinations, and expert assessments.
To date, a total of 98 people have been interviewed. This group includes 13 employees from companies involved in the construction project, 15 relatives of the deceased, 64 eyewitnesses, and family members of the victims, as well as six individuals who were injured. Maj Gen Noppasil emphasized that while investigators are working quickly, it remains too early to determine who will face charges or when the investigation might conclude.
He also pointed out that the identification of victims is still ongoing, as search operations continue for those believed to be trapped under the debris.
In the meantime, the Senate Committee on Commerce and Industry is intensifying its own investigation into the alleged use of Thai nominees by China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) Co., the company involved in the building’s construction.
Senator Ekachai Ruangrat, a member of the committee, announced that a subcommittee has been formed to investigate potential violations of the Foreign Business Act. Initial findings indicate that China Railway No. 10 may have employed three Thai nationals as proxies to hold a 51% stake in the company, seemingly to evade foreign ownership regulations.
These three individuals are reportedly connected to at least 11 other companies and are suspected of representing foreign interests, as their ownership stakes do not correlate with their financial backgrounds. Senator Ekachai noted that investigations revealed Chinese nationals were also listed as shareholders in those 11 companies. The identities of the three Thai nationals have yet to be disclosed or located, but Senator Ekachai indicated they could be detained once the investigation is complete.
Authorities will also examine whether the individuals listed as shareholders actually fulfill managerial roles within the companies, he added.
Senator Ekachai stressed the urgent need to address the use of Thai nominees by foreign companies, asserting that this practice harms Thai businesses. He stated that the committee’s findings will be forwarded to the Department of Special Investigation and the government.
“The use of Thai nominees has become a significant issue in Thailand,” he remarked.
