Thailand earthquake: Four Chinese nationals illegally enter collapsed Bangkok site to 'retrieve' documents, arrested

Deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Pol Maj Gen Napasilp Phulsawat, told The Edge Malaysia that the four men allegedly entered the restricted zone without authorisation, and removed 37 files from the rear of the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) construction site.

"After receiving reports from the public regarding individuals removing documents from the site, authorities launched an investigation," Phulsawat said.

"Police apprehended one Chinese national near the disaster zone, who identified himself as the project director overseeing the building’s construction," he said.

Napasilp Phulsawat said all retrieved documents have been taken into police custody.

He said investigators would consult engineers to analyse the seized materials for evidence related to the collapse.

He said the initial questioning revealed that these Chinese men had possessed valid visas, work permits, and passports.

Chinese Construction Firm

A Chinese construction firm is being investigated over the collapse of a 30-story under-construction high-rise building when strong tremors were felt in Bangkok.

The building collapsed in seconds and left multiple people trapped under the debris.

Following the earthquake, the Bangkok Governor declared the collapsed site a disaster zone.

Following the declaration, unauthorised people were prohibited from accessing the zone under the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act.

The Chatuchak District Office is preparing a formal complaint to charge the individuals under the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act, reported The Edge Malaysia.

Under the Act, unauthorised entry into a restricted disaster area carries a penalty of up to three months' imprisonment, a fine of up to 6,000 baht (RM783.06), or both, reported the news portal.

Building Collapse

At least 17 people died, and 32 others were injured, most of them construction workers, after the under-construction building collapsed in Bangkok, a major tourist destination in the world which attracts tourists from across the globe every year.

Several people still remain missing,

Rescue workers are trying hard to locate the missing people.

Myanmar Situation

The latest news reports indicate that over 1,600 have been killed in Myanmar, with thousands injured, following two powerful earthquakes on Friday.

The earthquakes of 7.7 and 6.4 magnitude struck Myanmar in the centre of the country northwest of Sagaing. The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, reported on Saturday that hospitals in the area are overwhelmed with extensive damage to health infrastructure.

The areas affected are Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Northeastern Shan and Sagaing.