Promises to Deliver Two Hundred Million Baht
In the aftermath of the devastating collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Thailand, China Railway No. 10 (Thailand), the contractor in question, has promised to set aside 120 million baht for victims' compensation. Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong confirmed this decision, ensuring it won't affect the ongoing criminal proceedings regarding the tragedy.
As of now, the death toll stands at 51, with nine injured and 43 still missing. The funds will be distributed through the Ministry of Justice, with the minister clarifying that this isn't linked to the criminal case but rather humanitarian concerns and damages incurred.
In the investigation, it's been revealed that China Railway No.10 (Thailand) intends to assist victims and the affected community. To facilitate this aid, they could collaborate with Italian-Thai Development (ITD), their partner, to avoid overburdening the government. If external intervention is required, necessary regulations will be followed to manage the disbursement of funds.
Initially, Pol Col Tawee hadn't received direct contact from the company, but the investigating officers had documented the information within the suspect's statement. He also underscored that the compensation won't lead to reduced penalties but is commendable.
In another development, the investigation into the nominee scandal involving China Railway No.10 (Thailand) has identified four suspects, three Thai nationals, and one Chinese executive. The penalties for this offense are relatively mild, but authorities aim to complete the investigation within four months, ideally in three.
The three Thai suspects, Manas Sri-anan, Prachuap Sirikhet, and Sophon Meechai, have turned themselves in, while the Chinese executive, Mr. Zhang Chuanling, was arrested on Saturday. According to the investigation, the Thai men, who owned roughly half the company's shares, served as laborers and drivers for the company.
As for the investigation into the building's collapse, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the police are actively probing potential breaches of the Foreign Business Act, such as nominee shareholders, substandard construction materials, and apparent bid rigging. Ongoing investigations will also examine the use of forged signatures in design document modifications and the quality of materials like steel and cement.
The authorities have also revisited a related case from around 2016-2017 involving a steel company using fake tax invoices. It's essential to determine if any transactions with this company occurred post-2017 to ensure fair practices in the construction sector.
DSI spokesperson Pol Maj Woranan Srilamm stated that Mr. Sophon, one of the Thai suspects, provided significant testimony, while the other two requested a 30-day period to submit written explanations.
The investigations are ongoing, and the Thai government, under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the proceedings, guaranteeing that those responsible face the consequences of their actions.
- The China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) has promised to provide 120 million baht, which will be managed by the Ministry of Justice for victims' compensation of the SAO building collapse.
- The ongoing investigation into the SAO building collapse has identified four suspects, including a Chinese executive named Mr. Zhang Chuanling and three Thai nationals, Manas Sri-anan, Prachuap Sirikhet, and Sophon Meechai.
- In addition to the SAO building collapse investigation, authorities are also revisiting a related case from around 2016-2017 involving a steel company using fake tax invoices to ensure fair practices in the construction sector.
- Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, the Justice Minister, emphasized that the compensation funds aren't linked to the criminal case but rather humanitarian concerns and damages incurred by the tragedy.5.Parallel investigations are underway by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the police regarding potential breaches of the Foreign Business Act, substandard construction materials, and apparent bid rigging related to the SAO building collapse case.
