30-4-2025 (BANGKOK) In a development at the devastated State Audit Office (SAO) site in Bangkok, rescue teams have unearthed an intact body and remnants of seven individuals during Monday evening’s carefully orchestrated demolition work.
The challenging recovery operation, which took place between 20:00 and 22:00 hours, revealed these remains near a stairwell in Zone D, as confirmed by Suriyachai Rawiwan, who heads the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).
The operation faces a particularly daunting obstacle in Zone D2, where rescue teams have encountered a peculiar structural phenomenon – multiple layers of intact concrete slabs compressed together, creating what officials describe as a pancake-like formation. This precarious arrangement, four to five levels deep, has necessitated the deployment of specialised heavy machinery, including dual demolition units with impact hammers.
Progress continues across the collapse site, with Zones A and D now cleared to ground level, whilst some areas extend into the basement. The adjacent Zones B and C, neighbouring the car park, require meticulous metal debris removal to access potential casualty locations.
The DDPM director highlighted the critical nature of dismantling the concrete formations blocking the fire escape stairwell, noting that successful clearance during daylight hours would enable night-time access to areas where additional victims are believed to be located in Zones B and C.
One month into this painstaking mission, Suriyachai expressed profound gratitude towards the victims’ families, whose unwavering presence and support continue to motivate the recovery teams. Their resolute determination drives the ongoing efforts to reunite the deceased with their loved ones as swiftly and respectfully as possible.
