BANGKOK, Thailand – Search and rescue operations have entered their ninth day at the site of the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok, with 79 people still unaccounted for. The collapse occurred during the 8.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 and was felt across much of Thailand. Rescue teams have been working continuously since the incident, though no additional survivors have been found.
Efforts intensified across all sectors of the site on April 5, with activity being intensified in Zone B. Teams expanded access tunnels, one of which led to the detection of a strong odor and traces believed to be blood and body fluids. These signs have prompted a concentrated effort to clear obstructive debris, including reinforced concrete and metal, although conditions remain difficult.
To date, 103 people have been directly affected by the collapse. Fifteen have been confirmed dead, nine are injured, and 79 remain missing. Search teams, including K9 units and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) personnel, have continued operations overnight. Despite the lack of new recoveries, teams are focusing on areas with signs suggesting possible victims beneath the rubble.
Heavy equipment use was suspended at 4:40 a.m., and as of mid-morning, rescue efforts remained paused while team leaders conducted coordination meetings. Participating units include the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, Poh Teck Tung Foundation, and state rescue agencies. An updated briefing on the next steps had not yet been released at the time of reporting.
To maintain consistency in public communication, all updates and official statements are now being issued solely by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. On-site personnel have been asked not to give interviews as authorities seek to avoid misinformation during the ongoing emergency response. (NNT)
