Bangkok: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is set to issue summonses for 40 engineers to be questioned regarding the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General building. The investigation has revealed that construction plans for the building were amended nine times, and the DSI is preparing to begin questioning these engineers starting April 28. This move is part of a broader investigation into potential misconduct involving "3 Thai nominees of China Railway Co." and other related construction malpractices.
According to Thai News Agency, the announcement was made by several high-ranking officials, including Mr. Sombun Muangklam, Advisor to the Minister of Justice, and Pol. Lt. Col. Yuthana Phraedam, the Director-General of DSI. The inquiry is part of a special case investigation initiated after requests were made to examine the collapse as a special case. The DSI is currently investigating four cases, including offenses under the Foreign Business Act, bid collusion, and the issuance of fake tax invoices by a steel distribution company.
The investigation is focused on the nominee case involving China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Arrest warrants have been issued for three Thai directors and a Chinese director, Mr. Chuanling Zhang. The DSI is also examining bid submission processes, with the details still under consideration. The accused have the right to provide statements, but the DSI is committed to collecting additional evidence to ensure thorough prosecution.
Pol. Lt. Col. Suravut Rangsai, Deputy Director-General of the DSI, stated that the nominee case is being expedited, with a 30-day deadline to complete the investigation. The focus will then shift to the bid rigging allegations. Statements from Mr. Prachuap, Mr. Manas, and Mr. Sopon are expected within 30 days, while Mr. Zhang has already provided comprehensive testimony, denying involvement with certain companies.
The investigation also involves examining whether China Railway Co. used any deceptive tactics to secure government contracts. The company has won 27 government projects, and investigations are ongoing to determine if any contracts need to be canceled. The State Audit Office has been cooperating by providing necessary documents for review.
The case also involves allegations of forgery, with Mr. Somkiat Chusangsuk, President of the Engineering Institute of Thailand's Technical Clinic, claiming his signature was forged on construction documents. The DSI has questioned him and examined documents to identify potential forgery. Furthermore, 51 engineers have been found to be falsely listed as supervising the construction work, leading to the summoning of 40 witnesses for questioning.
The investigation extends to the materials used in the construction, with the DSI and relevant agencies collecting steel and cement samples from the collapsed building. The samples are being analyzed to determine if substandard materials contributed to the collapse. The DSI is also investigating Xin Ke Yuan Steel Company Limited for potential involvement in supplying substandard steel.
Mr. Sombun Muangklam emphasized the importance of allowing time for suspects to provide statements or evidence, with the investigation expected to conclude within the 30-day timeframe.