The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has discovered 30 forged signatures of engineers on documents related to the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building, as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged nominee practices involving China Railway No.10 (Thailand).
The agency held a meeting yesterday to review progress in the case, which centres on the construction company’s role in the SAO project. China Railway No.10 (Thailand) was one of the main contractors involved in the building, which collapsed on March 28.
Investigators revealed that while 30 individuals were listed as construction supervisors, they claimed their signatures had been forged. Only eight confirmed their signatures were genuine.
With this key evidence in hand, DSI director-general Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam has called a follow-up meeting today to finalise a timeline for transferring the case to prosecutors.
The schedule is expected to align with the detention period of the first group of suspects, which includes three Thai nominees and Chinese shareholder Zhang Chuanling.
The DSI confirmed that testimonies from engineers whose identities were allegedly misused, along with physical evidence from the construction site, form the core of the case.
Authorities are also investigating possible violations under the Act Concerning Offences Relating to the Submission of Bids to Government Agencies BE 2542, particularly around the bidding process and the oversight role of the PKW joint venture.
Structural engineering experts have been brought in to assist with the investigation. Wira Ruangsri, manager of 3117 BIM Management, presented his analysis yesterday.
Referring to footage captured on the day of the incident, Mr Wira raised concerns about the building’s foundations, the lift shaft walls, and unauthorised modifications to the lift shaft design.
He identified the failure of two structural columns as likely contributing factors in the collapse.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt also provided updates on rescue and recovery efforts. He reported that search teams have reached the SC2 staircase in Zone C of the basement with no signs of trapped victims.
The operation is set to move to the ST1 staircase in Zone B, with full clearance expected within four days.
As of the latest report, the death toll from the incident stands at 86, with nine people injured and 14 still missing. Human remains are still being examined for DNA identification.
Meanwhile, authorities are compiling data to assess the economic impact and consider compensation for nearby businesses affected by the collapse.
