Bangkok: More than 100 individuals have been questioned as investigators expedite the preparation of the case file related to the collapse of the new Office of the Auditor General building. The investigation includes examining the forgery of the supervising engineer's signature.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Noppasin Poolsawat, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, held a meeting to review the progress of the case. Officers are working to expedite the case file by questioning various parties, which include 56 people involved in the incident, 51 witnesses, 7 injured individuals, and 35 relatives of the deceased. Efforts are being made to complete documents and gather inspection results from different agencies. These include the Council of Engineers' inspection of building plans, forensic evidence collection of construction steel materials, and assessments of construction materials throughout different phases, alongside revised plans and contracts from the Office of the Auditor General.
The investigation has uncovered concerns regarding the possible forgery of a supervising engineer's signature by the designer and engineer of the building. Authorities are investigating the identities of all engineers, supervisors, signatories, and related personnel. In a recent interrogation, Mr. Pimol Charoenying, aged 85, whose name appears as the designer, claimed he served only as a consultant and was compensated once for his design consultation.
Authorities have pledged to expedite the investigation into the building collapse to the fullest extent and are collaborating with relevant agencies to gather complete evidence, aiming to issue arrest warrants for those responsible. There are assurances that the case is proceeding without interference. Additionally, investigators have recently invited representatives from the Office of the Auditor General and the construction contractor to provide further information, which is currently under review.