Three Confirmed Dead as Rescue Efforts Continue at Collapsed Bangkok High-Rise
PUBLISHED: 28 Mar 2025 at 17:58
Rescue teams are urgently working to assist dozens of workers trapped beneath the debris of a high-rise building that collapsed in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok after a powerful earthquake struck the city on Friday. As of the latest reports, 81 individuals remain trapped, and three fatalities have been confirmed, according to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
It is estimated that around 400 workers were on-site at the time of the incident, comprising both local and foreign laborers. Injured workers are being swiftly taken to hospitals around Bangkok for treatment.
The collapsed structure, situated on an 11-rai plot on Kamphaeng Phet Road, was intended for the Office of the Auditor General, as per statements from deputy auditor-general Sutthipong Boonnithi, who was present at the site. Construction began in 2020, with the project valued at 2.1 billion baht, and it was approximately 30% completed, having reached its highest floor.
The main contractor, ITD-CREC, is a joint venture between Italian-Thai Development Plc and China Railway No 1 (Thailand). Oversight of the construction inspections is managed by a joint venture that includes PN Synchroniz, W and Associates Group, and KP Consultants and Management, according to Sutthipong.
Sketch of the building under construction for the Office of the Auditor General in Bangkok.
In other parts of Bangkok, schoolchildren experienced panic as the quake shook the Siamscape building in Siam Square, which houses tutoring schools. Some portions of the structure collapsed, and cracks appeared on ceilings and walls. Thankfully, all children trapped inside were later evacuated safely.
In Klong Toey, authorities conducted an evacuation of hundreds of individuals from the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, where the National Book Fair was being held, due to the strong tremors felt during the earthquake. The event has currently been suspended, as announced by the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand.
