Bangkok: DSI-related agencies, including the Department of Civil Engineering, TISI, and Forensic Science, have conducted searches across seven target areas in Bangkok and Nonthaburi in connection to the Office of the Auditor General building collapse case. They are also seeking an arrest warrant for Binling Wu, a Chinese investor linked to the China Railway Company.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is expanding its probe into the nominee case involving China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Co., Ltd., related to the collapse of the State Audit Office building. Pol. Lt. Col. Yuthana Praedam, Director-General of DSI, convened a meeting to initiate operations to search the seven target areas in Bangkok. This effort was coordinated with officials from the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, and the Institute of Forensic Medicine.
The seven locations targeted were various branches and production units of Poon Company. These included sites on Nuanchan Road in Bueng Kum District, Phetchaburi Phra Ram Road in Huai Khwang District, and Sirindhorn Road in Bang Phlat District, among others. These locations are suspected of being involved in supplying cement for the construction of the collapsed building and are linked to Evana International Company Limited.
Following evidence collection, the Ratchadaphisek Criminal Court issued a search warrant, resulting in the deployment of seven investigator teams. Their mission was to gather documentary and material evidence, question witnesses, and seize relevant documents across all seven sites. These cement plants were responsible for producing and distributing the cement used in the construction of the State Audit Office building.
Pol. Lt. Col. Woranan Srilam, Director of the Consumer Protection Litigation Division and DSI spokesperson, stated that there is suspicion regarding the source of the cement used in the collapsed structure. The investigation aims to determine if the cement was sourced directly from these companies or through intermediaries. The team will review cement deliveries from 2021 to verify the details of production lots and units involved. The search operation is ongoing, and an overall assessment will be conducted soon.
Additionally, the DSI has gathered evidence to request an arrest warrant for Mr. Binling Wu. Wu is a notable Chinese investor believed to be connected to China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and is suspected of violating the Alien Business Act of 1999 as a nominee.