Knocks spur hopes for survivors trapped in rubble

Rescuers heard faint calls for help and responding knocks from beneath the rubble of the collapsed State Audit Office site in Chatuchak district of Bangkok late Wednesday night, according to Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt.

- WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM

"At about 10pm, rescuers reached a hole and shouted out for survivors. They heard faint responses calling for help. The voice seemed to be that of a woman's," Mr Chadchart said yesterday morning.

"To make sure it was a survivor, rescuers asked for three knocks, and there were three in response. There is hope there are still survivors at some fire exits."

Rescuers then stopped using heavy machinery at the location in order to reduce the risk of the rubble shifting.