Architects deny changing plans at doomed tower

House committee focuses on design of lift shaft and quality of construction materials at SAO building

Flower garlands and other items are wrapped around a concrete pillar at the collapsed State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district of Bangkok, where a merit-making ceremony was held on Tuesday to mark the end of a six-week-long search and rescue operation. (Photo: Pattarapong​ Chatpattarasill)
Flower garlands and other items are wrapped around a concrete pillar at the collapsed State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district of Bangkok, where a merit-making ceremony was held on Tuesday to mark the end of a six-week-long search and rescue operation. (Photo: Pattarapong​ Chatpattarasill)

An architectural firm involved in the construction of the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) headquarters has denied making any revisions to the original design, amid an ongoing parliamentary investigation into the tragedy.

Representatives of Forum Architect Co Ltd and Meinhardt (Thailand) appeared before the House Committee on Corruption Prevention and Suppression to explain their roles in the project.

The committee, chaired by Pheu Thai MP Chalad Khamchuang, is examining possible construction irregularities following the building’s collapse during the March 28 earthquake, which have raised suspicions of a structural failure linked to design changes to the elevator shaft.

The 30-storey building in Chatuchak district was the only high-rise in Bangkok to collapse when the earthquake struck. Of the 109 workers who were on the site that day, 89 have been confirmed dead and seven are still missing.

Theerachai Phanthumas, the deputy chairman of the committee, questioned the companies over design changes that may have weakened the structure.

Forum Architect’s managing director, Suchat Chutipabhakorn, insisted his firm never submitted revised plans after the design was approved.

He said that while the contractor and site inspector sought advice during construction — particularly about decorating the lift shaft with marble cladding — no formal changes were made to the approved design.

His firm consulted Meinhardt regarding this request, resulting in a suggestion to reduce the wall thickness in some areas. However, Mr Suchat said this was only a suggestion and was never carried out by the architect.

Meinhardt (Thailand) director Theera Wattanasup said his company recommended reducing the wall thickness by five centimetres to accommodate interior finishes, along with corresponding structural reinforcement.

He said Meinhardt had no authority to order design changes and did not know whether their suggestions were carried out. He said that only the SAO, as the project owner, could approve alterations.

Engineer Pimol Charoenying, 85, who certified the original design, said he signed the final drawings in his capacity as design consultant and had never been shown any revised versions.

The committee also raised concerns about material quality and the potential use of substandard steel and concrete. Concerns have arisen over whether the tested batch of quality steel was actually used in the work, raising suspicions of cost-cutting amounting to 300 million baht, said Mr Chalad.

Questions remain over whether proper technical oversight was in place and whether payments were authorised according to procedure, he added.

The committee plans to summon the former head of the SAO , who originally managed the contract, to clarify why no oversight action was taken and whether design changes, if any, were formally approved, he said.

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Tariffs put fate of handout scheme in question

Finance minister says government has limited funds and they might be better spent elsewhere

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira delivers an update on Thailand’s proposals to the US on improving the trade balance between the two countries, which could induce Washington to lower tariffs, at Government House on Wednesday. (Photo: Royal Thai Government)
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira delivers an update on Thailand’s proposals to the US on improving the trade balance between the two countries, which could induce Washington to lower tariffs, at Government House on Wednesday. (Photo: Royal Thai Government)

The fate of the third phase of the government’s flagship digital wallet scheme is hanging in the balance in light of the impact of US tariffs on the Thai economy.

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira confirmed on Wednesday that the 10,000-baht handout programme is under review as the government must reconsider its priorities in light of trade turmoil that is affecting the economy worldwide.

Thailand recently submitted its proposals to Washington, as it seeks to avoid having a steep 36% tariff rate applied to imports of Thai goods, on top of the 10% rate already in place. Dates for negotiations with the US have not yet been set. 

Mr Pichai said the committee on economic stimulus measures is gathering information for a reassessment of its policies, including the third phase of the populist scheme.

The first two phases of the cash handout delivered only marginal economic gains, and not the “economic tsunami” that former PM Srettha Thavisin promised when he was campaigning for Pheu Thai in 2023.

The government has 157 billion baht left to fund this final phase, and it needs an additional 27 billion baht to finance it. Under the policy, 2.7 million Thais aged 16 to 20 would be given 10,000 baht each in digital currency to ease their burden and help stimulate the economy.

Initially expected to be approved by cabinet last week, the scheme has since been deferred.

Mr Pichai said the government is open to adjusting spending within the 2025 budget if necessary, without having to wait for the expenditure plan for the 2026 fiscal year starting on Oct 1.

He expressed confidence that lawmakers would make the necessary changes when the budget bill comes up for its first reading in the House from May 28-30.

“Ultimately, we need a robust medium- and long-term economic plan. We need to review if we will obtain more loans or make debt repayments,” Mr Pichai said.

The minister said he would meet on Thursday with officials of the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (Exim Bank) to discuss support measures for exporters affected by the US tariffs.

Economy like ‘long Covid’

Meanwhile, People’s Party leader Natthapong Ruangpanyawut said on Wednesday that unless the economy in the Northeast, the country’s biggest region, is given a major push, the third phase of the scheme will have little or no impact.

Speaking at a party forum in Khon Kaen, he said the global economy has changed and cash handouts may not be the best solution.

“Even if the government proceeds with the handout, which will raise domestic spending, (domestic) production would remain low because the money is being spent on cheap imports,” Mr Natthapong said.

He likened the Thai economy to people suffering from long Covid, adding the situation could deteriorate further due to the intense global trade war.

While some sectors of the economy in the Northeast saw positive signs, the region’s industrial sector has yet to recover, he said. The issue of uneven development in the region also needs to be addressed.

Mr Natthapong called for strategic intervention to promote a “rising star” economy such as so-called “mutelu” tourism that is associated with mysticism and lucky charms.

More efforts must also be made to develop and strengthen IT and communications, both of which are lagging, he added.

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Opposition keeps eye on Trang airport spending

Progress on the terminal a positive sign as enhancements costing 4.4 billion ringgit are ongoing

Members of the House committee monitoring state budget spending inspect a model of Trang airport during an inspection of progress on a new passenger terminal on May 12. (Photo: Trang Airport)
Members of the House committee that monitors the position budget spend inspect a type of Trang airport on May 12 as part of a review of the construction of a new passenger terminal. ( Photo: Trang Airport )

The opposition’s Women’s Party has pledged to continue monitoring the Trang airport‘s 4.4 billion baht development tasks, which are currently anticipated to be at least partially finished next month.

One of the four tasks is scheduled to be finished in June, according to Rukchanok Srinork, a group MP for Bangkok and a member of the House committee monitoring state budget investing. The prior company had abandoned the project when it was 98 % complete.

She stated that a fresh company was chosen to take over and that work is slated to begin immediately. A new passenger terminal building is the subject of” Project 2,” which is worth$ 1.06 billion baht.

” Happy greetings to the Trang population. One more of the numerous long-awaited federal jobs is about to be crossed off the list, according to Ms. Rukchanok.

Members of the committee recently traveled to the southern province to check on progress there and at various long-overdue projects abroad, according to Ms. Rukchanok. The commission conducted an investigation into the difficulties that were causing the aircraft projects prior to the visit.

The main reason, according to Danai Ruengsorn, director-general of the Department of Airports, was the original company quitting the project.

According to him, the ministry has since terminated that agreement and signed a new agreement to finish Project 2. Project 2 will cost 34 million baht. A safety payment of 53 million baht, which the preceding company had forfeited, has been kept.

By the end of June, the fresh contractor will have finished completing the work, opening the terminal for local airlines. By October, Mr. Danai said, the whole connector, which offers both domestic and international flights, is anticipated to get operational.

According to Ms. Rukchanok, the last project involves the installation of a baggage-handling structure and management software.

With a finances of 678.4 million baht, Project 1— airport support, a new tarmac and apron, and electrical systems, she said, is then perfect.

With a expenditure of 1.77 billion ringgit and a plan to extend the runway, add electronic devices, and build another system, Project 3 is 37 % finished. Additionally, the MP reported that Project 4 on the property eviction for the expanded runway is 51 % finished, up from about 30 % earlier this year.

An additional 600 million ringgit is required to complete the project, according to Ms. Rukchanok, despite the fact that the original budget was 868.8 million rmb, which has already been used up.

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Monitor lizard seen feeding on child’s body in Samut Prakan

The monitor lizard seen feeding on an abandoned baby's body (Photo: NAKON45 อัญวุฒิ โพธิ์อำไพ)
The monitor lizard seen feeding on an abandoned baby’s body ( Photo: NAKON45 อัญวุฒ ิ โพธิ์อำไพ )

A kid child’s remains were discovered feeding on a monitor lizard in the Bang Phli district’s staff ‘ cover area.

Around 1pm on Tuesday, the revelation was reported to Bang Kaeo authorities place. The terrible discovery was in Racha Thewa’s Soi King Kaew 28.

The Ruamkatanyu Foundation sent rescuers to the field. The child’s lower body and head were discovered in a lush place by them. The body’s lower region was missing. ( continues below )

(Photo: NAKON45 อัญวุฒิ โพธิ์อำไพ)

The reptile that watches. ( Photo: NAKON45 อัญวุฒ ิ โพธิ์อำไพ )

The blog is hidden behind a number of rented out properties, mostly occupied by migrant workers.

Officials speculated that the child was found by the eager check lizard, the mother was unable to care for it, and the girl was abandoned shortly after birth.

Local people reported seeing the bird dragging things. Its mother’s system was confirmed by closer examination.

They expelled the snake and reported the find. It remained close to the site, though. The region was carefully approached by volunteers. ( continues below )

(Photo: NAKON45 อัญวุฒิ โพธิ์อำไพ)

Rescuers at the scene ( Photo: NAKON45 อัญวุฒ ิ โพธิ์อำไพ )

The bones were transported to Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute for forensic analysis to determine the dying reason. The child had no signs of breakdown and was little.

The mother’s family is being sought after by authorities. If it is established that the child was still alive when it was abandoned, she may face legal action, according to authorities.

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Court orders justice minister to step back from DSI

Tawee instructed to halt oversight of the watchdog body into vote-rigging pending decision on lawmakers ‘ complaints.

Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong speaks to reporters on Feb 25 about a possible role for the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in a probe into vote-rigging in the 2024 Senate election — to the consternation of dozens of senators. The Constitutional Court on Wednesday ordered Pol Col Tawee to temporarily cease overseeing the DSI and its special cases committee. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
Several senators were consternated when Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong addressed reporters on February 25 about a potential role for the Department of Special Investigation ( DSI) in a probe into vote-rigging in the 2024 Senate election. On Wednesday, the Constitutional Court gave the order to temporarily suspend U Col Tawee’s oversight of the DSI and its special cases council. ( Photo: Chanat Katanyu )

Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong’s supervision of the Department of Special Investigation ( DSI) has been suspended by the Constitutional Court due to allegations that he abused his position by allowing it to investigate vote-rigging in the Senate election of last year.

Additionally, Pol Col Tawee was given the order to resign from his position as deputy chairman of the DSI specific instances committee, which approved a probe that irritated numerous senators.

A group of 92 lawmakers petitioned the court to act on Wednesday whether Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Pol Col Tawee may lose their jobs because they allegedly interfered with the Senate election process in March.

The petition asks to know whether the ministers ‘ actions, particularly those in Article 170, Paragraph 1( 4 ), infringed on the constitution.

The lawmakers have accused both ministers of abuse of power by using the DSI to destroy the Commission’s democracy, which has been the subject of independent investigations of its own.

The jury unanimously decided that Mr. Phumtham’s appointment as deputy prime minister, who oversees national security issues, was based on a lack of a reasonable suspicion.

But, it determined that there were justifiable grounds for Pol Col Tawee’s suspension, who had power over legal employees at the Ministry of Justice, including the DSI, from responsibilities that included his responsibilities over the DSI and the particular situations commission.

The disqualification will continue until the jury renders a final decision in the matter.

Six of 53 legislators who are being investigated for vote-rigging were next year served subpoenas from the Election Commission and the DSI.

The DSI announced this week that it had identified up to 1,200 potential participants in the election’s manipulation next year.

It has been suggested that the claims are directed at “blue union” senators, which is a significant group connected to the second-largest group in the federal coalition, the Bhumjaithai Party.

The last Senate vote on June 26 resulted in some strange outcomes, most importantly a significant proportion of candidates from regions with solid electoral prospects.

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Tonnes of smuggled avocados seized, wholesaler arrested

Consumer Protection Police raid the fruit warehouse in Pathum Thani where the Vietnamese businessman was arrested on Wednesday. (Photo supplied)
Consumer Protection Police detain the Asian businessman’s fruit warehouse in Pathum Thani on Wednesday. ( Photo provided )

A Asian businessman has been detained for entering Thailand with about 16 tonnes of new bananas, raising concerns about threats to the region’s crops.

Consumer Protection Police ( CPP ) detained the suspect, who was only identified as Mr. Van, on Wednesday at a warehouse in Soi Thep Kunchon 6, which is close to a significant wholesale market for farm products in the Khlong Luang district.

The CPP participated in the activity by working with a particular task force made up of the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry and the Customs Department. The fruit was arrested and the fruit was taken after data was discovered last week that included 40 tons of smuggled avocado.

Mr. Van was detained after the officers had inspected the inventory and admitted to having the fruit.

They also seized 750 kg of raw passion fruit, which is estimated to be worth approximately 45, 000 ringgit, along with 16 175 kilogrammes of new avocados, which are valued at around 1,294, 000 baht.

The produce’s full price was given as 1, 339, 000 ringgit.

According to the CPP statement, the fruits had gone beyond both customs and grow isolation checks, putting a significant risk of introducing pests or diseases that may harm Thai plants.

Mr. Van is thought to be a significant supplier of grapes to Pathum Thani’s fruit industry. According to the officers, he was taken to a lawyer for lawful reasons.

Some of the fruits found at the warehouse during the raid on Wednesday. (Central Investigation Bureau)

During the Wednesday inventory attack, I discovered love fruits and avocados. Central Investigation Bureau image

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Children rescued from alleged exploitation in porn videos

A woman from the Pen Nueng Foundation explains to the parents why they are intervening, and the allegations of child pornography. (photo: The Pen Nueng Foundation)
The kids are being told by a person from the Pen Nueng Foundation about the claims of child pornography and how they are responding. The Pen Nueng Foundation is in pictures.

Five members of a one family in Phetchabun state have been taken into watchful care following reports that they were used to produce pornographic videos that were sold through a Line chat group.

The family, 34, who has nine children overall, is the subject of the situation.

After receiving concerns from&nbsp, the community, The Pen Nueng Foundation, in cooperation with the Phetchabun Shelter for Children and Families, came to the rescue.

After being removed from the home and taken to a doctor for real investigations, the five children, all under the age of 18, were then taken. &nbsp,

It is said that the eldest sister allegedly used this role to get people to buy the obvious video.

The parents has refuted the charges, claiming that the movie clips were digitally altered. However, the family insisted that her daughter had been framed by evil spirits who had gathered up old footage to create a fake narrative.

The oldest child initially denied having any presence, but she later admitted when confronted with evidence, according to authorities.

Police are currently reviewing the movie content and following the money road.

Legal proceedings did ensue if the information is verified to be true. The kids will be brought back to the family if they are discovered to be made or altered, and more security assistance will be provided to ensure their safety and well-being. &nbsp,

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Frog farming a dry season boon for Isan farmers

Farmers in Ban Nong Tae turn their paddy fields into frog farms during the dry season, in Renu Nakhon district of Nakhon Phanom. The venture brings 10 million to 20 million baht a year into their community. (Photo: Pattanapong Sripiachai)
In the Nakhon Phanom district’s Renu Nakhon area, farmers in Ban Nong Tae convert their rice fields into frog fields during the clean time. The project contributes between 10 and 20 million ringgit annually to their area. ( Photo: Pattanapong Sripiachai )

In Renu Nakhon area, residents of a village have recently experienced a lucrative income from animal farming.

Their area has received between 10 and 20 million baht annually from sales of life and freezing frogs and tadpoles.

A group of farmers in tambon Nakham’s Ban Nong Tae transform their rice fields into frogs farms as the dry season approaches. They sell larvae, or luk huak in Isan pronunciation, to local businesses for 150 to 200 baht per kilogram. &nbsp,

They just increased the value of their animal grain by removing, cleaning, and freezing them for export. The frozen toad flesh is priced at 200 baht per kilogram.

According to Sonthaya Faramee, 49, director of the provincial Phaeng Yai group business, frog gardening has for the past 20 years produced 10 million to 20 million ringgit a month for Nong Tae locals.

After the rice harvest is above, producers turn their fields into ponds that are about 30 centimeters strong. They keep year-old insects in investment and waited for them to reproduce in the ponds. Each pond releases around 300 sets of insects. ( continues below )

Tadpoles or

Larvae, or luk huak, are priced between 150 and 200 baht per kilogram. ( Photo: Pattanapong Sripiachai )

The only thing that needs to happen is that the insects are taken out of the lake after one day of breeding. Within a few hours, the reproduce can be seen floating on the water’s edge.

The egg hatch four days later. On fish meal, the larvae are raised. They are ready for sale in 20 to 25 times. &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp,

According to Mr. Sonthaya, the group organization has about 70 households that raise frogs for the production of tadpoles for sale.

The Phaeng Yai area enterprise, which aids animal farmers in the processing and marketing of tadpoles for sale, is located in Phaeng Yai. Additionally, frozen goods can be purchased overseas and stored for a longer period. According to Mr. Sonthaya, frozen tadpoles sell for 250 baht per kilogram, while life tadpoles are priced at 100 baht.

He claimed that consumers in Australia and Singapore place a lot of orders.

Prepared and frozen are likewise insects that are three months old. He claimed that they collect 250 baht per kilogram.

Try making caterpillar dish with herbs, using either kaeng om or curry with fermented bamboo shoots, using kaeng normai cock instead. &nbsp,

These meals are sold for 200 to 300 ringgit per bowl in restaurants.

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Sonthaya Faramee, 49, secretary to the Phaeng Yai community enterprise chairman in Nakhon Phanom, shows frozen frog and frozen tadpoles produced by frog farmes in Renu Nakhon district of this northeastern province. (Photo: Pattanapong Sripiachai)

Sonthaya Faramee, 49, the executive director of the Nakhon Phanom area business, shows frozen newts and frogs grown by farmers in the northern province’s Renu Nakhon area. ( Photo: Pattanapong Sripiachai )

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Telecom gear thieves cause signal disruptions

According to police, tools taken from Real Corp locations in Phitsanulok was disassembled for resale.

Base band transmission boxes were among the items seized at the house in Pathum Thani where the three suspects were arrested. (Photo: Chinnawat Singha)
Basic group transmission containers were among the items taken from the Pathum Thani home where the three suspects had been taken. ( Photo: Chinnawat Singha )

Police have detained three men after they allegedly stole Real Corporation’s signal transmission equipment from them from Phitsanulok and local provinces, which was being disassembled for selling, causing transmission disruptions and causing losses of an estimated 20 million baht.

Officials tracked a delivery truck that had appeared on surveillance video in Phitsanulok, according to Pol Lt Col Kittisak Durongwibun, chief of Provincial Police Region 6, after the offenders were detained at a home in Lam Luk Ka city of Pathum Thani state on Wednesday.

Voun Baythavong, 26, Sonchay Sengmala, 25, and Thanapong Pimthuad, 32, both from Laos, were identified as Lao citizens. According to the officers, they were Real Corp. sub-contract staff.

36 center channel transmitting boxes and 100 kilos of copper cable were discovered on the premises.

Copper cable seized along other equipment stolen in Phitsanulok, Sukhothai and nearby provinces. (Chinnawat Singha)

In Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, and the adjacent provinces, one hundred kilogrammes of brass wire were found along with other items of value. ( Chinnawat Singha )

The Chinese suspects, according to investigators, have admitted to stealing equipment from the telecom company in the near Sukhothai province and the Phrom Phiram district of Phitsanulok.

The stolen technology was subsequently sold to Mr. Thanapong, who would tear it into pieces for sale, removing any gold and melted it for sale. Additionally, another pieces were sold to agents, even in other nations.

According to Pol Lt Col Kittisak, the incidents caused message disruptions in the regions and adjacent areas, which cost about 20 million ringgit in damages.

He continued that an analysis is being conducted into those who are suspected of being involved in the operation.

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Park ranger on drunken bender shoots 2 colleagues

Medics attend to one of the three wounded park rangers on Wednesday morning, (Photos: Facebook Chiangmai Report)
On Wednesday morning, one of the three injured park rangers is seen by medics ( Facebook Chiangmai Report ).

A drunken park rangers who was trying to enter a bush shot and wounded his colleagues before he himself was shot in Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Chiang Mai, on Wednesday morning.

Around 9am on Wednesday, Chiang Dao’s police chief, Pol Col Seksan Khankhamnanta, received a statement of the firing at the Phatang Forest Protection Unit. Authorities were immediately dispatched to the field to conduct an investigation.

Three crippled men were discovered at the station. The system captain, Chawalit Nokham, a park rangers, who was shot in the left foot, and Sathaporn Kongmuang, a park ranger, who was shot in the left side, were all killed in the left foot, with the gun passing through. To Chiang Dao Hospital were all three taken.

Investigators discovered that Mr. Sathaporn was the initiator. When he approached the checkpoint with a gun and went into the forest, he was drunk and incoherent. &nbsp,

His coworkers tried to stop him after seeing his drunken state, but he ignored them and shot multiple times, injuring two. Then, in self defense, other rangers shot back, inflicting harm on Mr. Sathaporn.

Further investigation revealed that Mr. Sathaporn had just returned from a two-night forest patrol in Doi Luang Chiang Dao and had been heavily drinking at his residence before leaving the checkpoint.

He was formally detained for legal proceedings and investigation.

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