BANGKOK — Thai state prosecutors have indicted 23 individuals and corporate entities in connection with the collapse of a Bangkok high-rise triggered by a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake in neighboring Myanmar on March 28. The disaster claimed at least 92 lives and stands as one of Thailand’s deadliest construction failures.

Among the accused are prominent players such as Italian-Thai Development Co., its Chinese joint venture China Railway No. 10, along with senior executives Premchai Karnasuta and Zhang Chuanling, plus architects, engineers, and contractors.

Charges Include Negligence and Forgery

Authorities allege professional negligence, forgery, and use of fraudulent documents, citing critical design flaws, substandard materials, and deviations from approved plans—all contributing to the sudden collapse.

An earlier investigation had already led to arrest warrants for 17 suspects, including Premchai and engineers from partner firms. Many were detained and denied bail in May, with reports highlighting violations such as inadequate steel, poor-quality concrete, structural misalignment, and forged signatures on technical approvals.

Echoes of a Troubled Legal Past

The indictment adds to Premchai Karnasuta’s legal challenges. The 71-year-old, once head of Italian-Thai Development, previously served prison time for wildlife poaching and was released early in 2023. If convicted this time, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 200,000 baht (approximately US $6,000). (zai)