- विज्ञापन -
Bangkok: Thai authorities have apprehended four Chinese nationals for illegally entering the site of a collapsed high-rise building in Bangkok that was under construction prior to a strong earthquake in Myanmar.
According to police, the individuals were attempting to retrieve documents from the site, which is under investigation due to its association with a Chinese-backed construction firm. The 30-story building suddenly collapsed during the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday, sending debris flying and trapping dozens of people beneath the rubble.
Major General Nopasin Poolswat, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, stated that the four Chinese men were discovered unlawfully removing 32 files from the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building without permission, as reported by National Thailand.
After the earthquake, the Bangkok Governor declared the site a disaster zone and imposed restrictions on unauthorized access. However, police received reports on Saturday of individuals retrieving documents from the area.
Upon investigation, authorities apprehended one Chinese man near the site, who claimed to be a project manager for the construction. His documentation verified that he had a valid work permit and was connected to a joint venture with the Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited, the project’s contractor.
Further inquiries led to the detention of three additional men along with the 32 documents, which included blueprints and other important paperwork. The Chinese nationals claimed to be subcontractors working under the primary contractor and had entered the restricted area to collect necessary documents for an insurance claim.
Initially, the suspects were temporarily released after questioning. However, on Sunday, the Chatuchak District Office filed a complaint against five Chinese nationals for violating public restrictions and for removing sensitive documents from the collapse site.
Legal action has been initiated against the four detained individuals, while the fifth person, identified as their employer, is still being investigated. Authorities are expected to take further measures based on the ongoing inquiry.
Additionally, as of Sunday, Thailand confirmed that the death toll from the earthquake had risen to 17, with 32 people injured and 77 individuals reported missing.
