Myanmar Worker Reunited with Gold Lost in Bangkok Building Collapse: “I Was Overjoyed”
BANGKOK, May 9, 2025 — A Myanmar construction worker has been reunited with her gold jewelry lost during the devastating State Audit Office building collapse in Chatuchak’s Zone B. The emotional moment came as rescue workers uncovered her belongings amid the rubble and turned them in to authorities.
Mya Thaw Tar, 33, who worked as an elevator operator at the site, arrived with her 31-year-old husband to claim the jewelry from police. Among the recovered items were:
- 4 gold rings
- 1 gold necklace
- 1 gold bracelet
- 1 pearl pendant
- 1 gold fish pendant
The collection, valued at around 50,000 baht (~$1,517 USD), had been buried in debris since the March 28 collapse, which was triggered by a significant earthquake. Mya said she had to evacuate immediately, leaving all her belongings behind.
“I kept asking the rescue workers to help look for it,” she said tearfully. “I even dug through rubble myself, crying, because this gold is what I worked hard to save over many years.”
Thanks to Ruamkatanyu Foundation rescue crews, the gold was recovered and handed over to the Bang Sue Police Station. Mya had earlier reported the loss with photographic evidence on April 10.
Tragedy and Recovery Efforts Continue
As of the latest update on May 9:
- 105 people are now confirmed as affected (revised from 109).
- 89 fatalities have been confirmed.
- 9 people are injured.
- 7 remain missing.
