BANGKOK, June 6 (TNA) – The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has uncovered evidence allegedly involving over 70 government officials in bid rigging during the construction of the State Audit Office (SAO) building.
The DSI will submit its findings to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) by next week.
This investigation follows the tragic collapse of the SAO building, which was under construction, on March 28, 2025. The collapse occurred after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake centered in Myanmar sent significant tremors through Bangkok. The building was the only high-rise in Thailand to suffer a complete collapse, resulting in at least 92 confirmed deaths and multiple injuries among construction workers.
Pol.Capt. Surawut Rangsai, DSI spokesperson, confirmed the alleged involvement of officials in all three contracts for the SAO building (design, construction, and supervision). This includes executives of independent organizations, 10 related committees, and 15 members of the design committee. Notably, Mr. Montien Charoenpol, the current SAO Governor, is among those allegedly involved. As government officials are involved, the case requires NACC review.
The investigation also revealed forged signatures and the use of unqualified individuals’ names in bids. The DSI has charged six individuals from the PKW joint venture, one of whom is central to the entire bid rigging operation. Unauthorized subcontracting was also identified.
The DSI will prosecute the six PKW executives directly. A separate police investigation is underway to determine if “phantom” supervision contributed to the building’s collapse. -819 (TNA)
