Authorities search containers for documents linked to SAO building
Thai authorities are searching 24 containers located near the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok in order to obtain documents to support ongoing investigations.
The search follows the collapse of the building after an earthquake in late March, which has prompted an investigation into nominee shareholding and bid-rigging cases involving the companies concerned — the PKW Joint Venture and the ITD-CREC Joint Venture.
Officials from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning (DPT), Bang Sue Police Station, and the Office of Police Forensic Science joined the search efforts. Representatives from the PKW Joint Venture and Italian-Thai Development were also present to facilitate the process.
The focus is on locating documents related to project operations and bidding procedures. Special attention is being given to container number 19, which houses numerous shelves containing documents. Containers found to be unused will have their contents returned, while any containers containing evidence will have their materials seized.
DSI deputy director-general, Pol Capt Surawut Rangsai, stated on Monday that the documents expected to be recovered include construction records, shop drawings, correspondence with subcontractors, engineering records from both Chinese and Thai engineers, and material inspection reports, such as for concrete and steel.
He noted that these documents are not available at the SAO office or from previous searches conducted by authorities. Most of the documents are believed to pertain to communications with government agencies.
When asked if there were concerns about incomplete documentation, Surawut replied that he was not worried, as the DSI is working closely with police officers. He also confirmed that documents previously smuggled out by Chinese personnel have now been fully recovered.
He added that China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) had not sent representatives, as Italian-Thai Development was representing the ITD-CREC Joint Venture.
The documents collected from the containers will be used in the DSI and DPT factual investigations to expedite the proceedings, he said.
Surawut further stated that the DSI will summon 40 engineers for questioning, beginning tomorrow (April 29), interviewing 10 engineers per day over four consecutive days. “However, we must wait to see whether all engineers respond to the summons,” he added.
