Thai construction tycoon surrenders to police over collapse of Bangkok building
Mr Premchai (in wheelchair) reported to officers at Bang Sue Police Station after the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB)'s issued arrest warrants for 17 suspects linked to the incident. PHOTO: THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
BANGKOK - Mr Premchai Karnasuta, president of Italian-Thai Development (ITD), surrendered to police on May 16 over an arrest warrant linked to the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in March.
Accompanied by his personal lawyer, Mr Premchai reported to officers at Bang Sue Police Station after the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB)'s issued arrest warrants for 17 suspects linked to the incident.
The case involves the collapse of a 30-storey building in Bangkok's Chatuchak district on March 28, triggered by an earthquake, which resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.
The suspects face Penal Code charges for professional negligence in building design, supervision, or construction that resulted in injuries and deaths.
Mr Premchai arrived at the station at 8am in a private van, assisted by close associates who provided a wheelchair.
As he was wheeled into the station, reporters asked whether he admitted guilt, felt concerned or wished to apologise to the public. He remained silent and did not respond to any questions.
Other suspects, including engineer Pimol Charoenying, who certified the original design, and Kriengsak Kowattana, executive vice-president of ITD, also appeared at the station accompanied by their legal counsel.
Police officers at Bang Sue Police Station erected metal barricades to maintain order and prevent the media from entering the interview area.
The SAO building was constructed by the ITD-CREC Joint Venture, in collaboration with China Railway Number 10 (Thailand).
The joint venture is currently under investigation by several government agencies, with inquiries divided into three key areas: the use of Thai nominees holding shares on behalf of foreign nationals, the use of substandard or non-compliant construction materials, and the cause of the building's collapse.
According to a report by Krungthep Turakij, China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) is linked to over 14 affiliated companies. Three Thai nationals are listed as directors and shareholders across these firms, which have collectively signed at least 29 public procurement contracts with the government, with a total value exceeding 22 billion baht (S$859 million).
The company is reported to operate using a joint venture model with other private entities. Typically, it begins by purchasing government bid documents and then partners with well-capitalised Thai firms to form joint ventures before submitting their bids. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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