Four Chinese Nationals Detained in Thailand for Unauthorized Access to Collapsed Building Site

Synopsis

Thai authorities have detained four Chinese nationals for unauthorized access to a collapsed high-rise site in Bangkok, linked to a recent earthquake in Myanmar. They were attempting to recover sensitive documents related to the construction project. Legal proceedings are underway, with further investigations ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Key Takeaways

Four Chinese nationals detained in Bangkok for unauthorized access to a collapsed construction site.
The building collapsed during a powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar.
Authorities found them retrieving 32 documents without permission.
Legal action has been initiated against the detained individuals.
The region faces a growing death toll and numerous missing persons.

Bangkok, March 31 (NationPress) Thai authorities have apprehended four Chinese nationals for illegally entering the site of a collapsed high-rise in Bangkok, which was under construction and affected by a powerful earthquake that hit Myanmar.

According to police, the individuals were attempting to recover documents from the site, which is currently under investigation due to its ties to a Chinese-backed construction firm.

The 30-story structure collapsed almost instantly during the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday, launching debris into the air and trapping numerous individuals beneath the wreckage.

Major General Nopasin Poolswat, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, disclosed that the four Chinese men were caught unlawfully retrieving 32 files of documents from the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building without authorization, as reported by National Thailand.

After the earthquake, the Bangkok Governor declared the area a disaster zone and prohibited unauthorized access. Nonetheless, police received reports on Saturday about individuals attempting to collect documents from the location.

During the inquiry, authorities detained one Chinese man near the site, who claimed to be a project manager for the construction.

His documents validated that he possessed a valid work permit and was affiliated with a joint venture involving Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited, the project's contractor.

Further investigation resulted in the detention of three additional men, along with the 32 documents, which included blueprints and other essential paperwork. The Chinese nationals claimed they were subcontractors operating under the primary contractor and had accessed the restricted area to obtain necessary documents for an insurance claim.

Initially, the suspects were temporarily released after interrogation. However, on Sunday, the Chatuchak District Office lodged a complaint against five Chinese nationals for breaching public restrictions and removing sensitive documents from the collapsed site.

The police have begun legal actions against the four detained individuals, while the fifth individual, identified as their employer, remains under scrutiny. Authorities are expected to take further measures based on the ongoing investigation.

Additionally, Thailand confirmed on Sunday that the death toll has reached 17, with 32 individuals injured and 77 missing following the devastating earthquake.