PM wants collapse culprits charged

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will expedite the issuing of arrest warrants for those involved in the collapse of the new State Audit Office (SAO) building once sufficient evidence is found.

- WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM

Ms Paetongtarn yesterday convened a meeting to receive updates on the investigation with national police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch and Department of Special Investigation (DSI) director-general Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam among those in attendance.

Following the meeting, the prime minister said the Comptroller General's Department (CGD) would be enlisted to inspect construction material standards, as it has the authority to cancel contracts.

Ms Paetongtarn said the DSI is investigating possible violations involving substandard steel, poor concrete quality and the lack of steel reinforcement in the lift shaft.

Additional concerns include foreign shareholders and bid collusion.