Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt believed more victims would be found after the State Audit Office (SAO) building collapse death toll hit 41 on Monday.
Chadchart stated that the height of the debris has decreased from 26 centimetres to 20.5 centimetres as of Monday, making it easier to search for victims still trapped inside.
He expects more bodies to be found on the 24th to 29th floors within the next couple of days.
He explained that workers on higher floors—where the building tends to sway significantly—may not have had time to escape via the fire exits, as they were likely trying to hold onto something for stability. As a result, many workers may have been trapped between the 24th and 29th floors.
Chadchart reported that Monday’s operation ran smoothly, with all public officials working at full capacity. Around 500 of them were from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), he noted.
While the private sector has had to redeploy some personnel to other missions during this period, Chadchart assured the public that the operation has not been affected, as there is no shortage of equipment. Both fuel and hydraulic lines remain fully supplied, with current daily oil usage at approximately 5,100 litres.
“Our goal is to complete the demolition of the entire building by the end of this month,” he said.
He added that the operation will focus on using heavy drilling equipment supported by drones. The drones will act as a third eye, providing aerial views to help locate gaps in the debris and identify victims.
Demolition efforts will prioritise the upper areas of Zones B and C, particularly the fire escape routes and elevator shafts, where victims are most likely to be found. Chadchart confirmed that every effort will be made to recover all the victims’ bodies.
When asked whether the extended operation might hinder the identification process, he said modern technology would aid in verifying identities. In addition to DNA analysis, other forms of evidence—such as clothing—would also be used.
He also gave assurances that officials would assist in identifying any undocumented foreign workers among the victims, and that their families need not fear legal prosecution.
Regarding the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) collecting debris samples as part of its inquiry, Chadchart confirmed that it would not disrupt the rescue work, and that the BMA was fully cooperating.
Bangkok authorities have recovered four additional bodies from the collapsed Office of the SAO building following the recent earthquake, bringing the total death toll to 41, with 53 people still missing. Rescue operations continue, with debris removal now nearly 50% complete.
BMA and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DPMM) held a press briefing to provide an update on the State Audit Office (SAO) building collapse, which occurred in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district following a recent earthquake.
As of April 14 at 10am, a total of 103 individuals have been confirmed as victims of the disaster. Four additional bodies were recovered overnight, bringing the current death toll to 41, with 9 people injured and 53 still unaccounted for.
Overnight, rescue teams expanded their operations to zones B4 and C1, where faint light signals had previously been detected.
Crews successfully cleared obstructing beams and excavated an area measuring 4 metres deep and 5 metres wide to allow K-9 units and rescue personnel to search more effectively. However, no signs of life were detected in this operation.
Currently, approximately 50% of the debris removal has been completed. Despite the ongoing Songkran holiday, all emergency personnel remain fully deployed.
Heavy machinery continues to operate at full capacity, with monitoring teams stationed across all zones. Water is being sprayed regularly to control dust, and manual searches resume whenever machinery halts.
BMA spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala stated that the city has deployed psychologists and interpreters to support both rescue personnel and the families of the victims.
As of 3pm on April 13, a total of 23,405 individuals have formally reported damages. The top five districts with the highest number of reports include:
Chatuchak: 3,080 cases
Huai Khwang: 2,580 cases
Bang Sue: 2,501 cases
Phasi Charoen: 2,067 cases
Thonburi: 1,140 cases
All 50 district offices have begun scheduling inspections and damage assessments for affected buildings since April 10.
These activities continue through the Songkran holiday, although limited access has been reported due to many residents being away.
Authorities urge building owners to contact their respective district offices upon returning home.
Victims seeking financial aid must submit requests to their local district office within 30 days of the incident, no later than April 27, 2025.
Police officers have been stationed at all district offices during business hours to facilitate the filing of official reports.
Damage evaluations will be conducted by district-level committees and reported to the BMA’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Approved cases will then be submitted to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation at the national level for financial assistance.
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