BANGKOK, Thailand – Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has confirmed that search operations are in their final stage at the site of the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building in Chatuchak district, following the March 28 earthquake. Rescue teams have completed excavation in Zone SC2, reaching the basement level without locating further victims. Efforts are now focused on Zone SC1, the last area pending clearance.
The number of reported missing individuals has increased to 14 after police received six new reports, bringing the total number of affected persons to 109. Authorities believe some of the missing may already be among the remains currently undergoing forensic identification. So far, the remains of 45 to 46 deceased victims have been returned to their families.
Officials expect the site to be fully reopened within the next three to four days. Once the search is complete, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will return the site to the SAO, which will determine next steps regarding the structure, including possible demolition.
Governor Chadchart clarified that the BMA’s responsibility is limited to victim recovery, and any decision on demolition lies with the SAO. He added that the earthquake demonstrated the resilience of Bangkok’s buildings, as only one collapsed. While some structures sustained cracks, most remain safe after repairs.
In terms of public disruption, the governor stated that many areas around the site have already reopened. The Chatuchak District Office is collecting data on remaining impacts to determine if further recovery or compensation measures are needed.
