BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has instructed government agencies to speed up the investigation into the collapse of the State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district, amid growing concerns over delays in legal proceedings and a lack of inter-agency cooperation. During the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (Apr 22), the prime minister called for full coordination between ministries and law enforcement, citing the need for accountability in both construction oversight and material quality.
The Cabinet was told that several government departments had not yet submitted the requested documents to the Royal Thai Police. Agencies, including the Office of the Auditor General, the Department of Mineral Resources, and the Comptroller General’s Department, were directed to provide all relevant materials, including internal investigation findings and seismic activity reports. The Ministry of Industry and the Department of Special Investigation were tasked with probing the use of substandard steel and possible unlawful conduct by foreign firms involved in construction and bidding processes.
The premier also addressed the compensation process for households affected by the recent earthquake. Paetongtarn ordered revisions to the current relief framework, citing inconsistencies between damage assessments and the actual support received by residents. Relevant departments were instructed to update their compensation guidelines to ensure fair evaluations and prevent duplication with private insurance payouts.
Concerns were also raised over the misuse of the visa-free entry scheme, which currently allows certain foreign nationals to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports were tasked with investigating potential legal breaches, including visa overstays and unauthorized employment. Officials were asked to re-evaluate the length of stay and its implications for national security and tourism management.
Paetongtarn concluded the session by urging all ministries to collaborate in restoring investor confidence and driving economic momentum into the second half of 2025. She stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to enhance administrative responsiveness, enforce legal standards in public projects, and promote long-term economic stability.
