Day 15 of Bangkok Building Collapse Rescue: Death Toll Rises to 32, 62 Still Missing
BANGKOK — The death toll from the collapse of a 30-story building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district has risen to 32, as rescue teams continue their search for survivors on the 15th day of the mission. Another 62 people remain missing, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
Tragedy Linked to Earthquake
The disaster occurred on March 28, when the State Audit Office (SAO) building under construction on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road collapsed following tremors from a powerful 8.2-magnitude earthquake centered near Mandalay, Myanmar. The incident trapped over a hundred workers inside.
Two additional bodies were recovered in Zone C on Saturday, further escalating the confirmed fatalities. The BMA reports a total of 103 individuals affected:
- 32 dead
- 9 injured
- 62 missing
Ongoing Investigation and Search Efforts
Authorities from multiple agencies—including the Forensic Science Division, Department of Special Investigation, Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, and representatives from China Railway No. 10 Ltd., a contractor on the project—conducted an on-site inspection on Saturday.
Suriyachai Rawiwan, Director of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, revealed that officials are still unable to reach an area where a light signal was detected on Friday, suggesting a possible survivor.
“There are significant obstacles, including a thick concrete slab weighing over 10 tonnes and dense steel reinforcements,” he said. “The terrain above is unstable, raising fears of further collapse. Excavation under the foundation may be required.”
A safety meeting is scheduled to determine next steps, as crews continue to navigate dangerous conditions in hopes of rescuing survivors.
