Investigators were due to start collecting evidence from amid the rubble today as the probe begins in ernest into why the 30-storey unfinished building collapsed during the Mar 28 earthquake in Myanmar, reports the Bangkok Post.
Suthikiart Sophanik, director of K9 USAR (canine urban search and rescue) Thailand, said yesterday that sniffer dogs normally worked a disaster site for seven to 10 days. The search at the site in Chatuchak district had continued for 11 days.
The dogs and their trainers had done their best and it was now time to bring in heavy machinery to remove the debris, he said.
K9 USAR Thailand deployed nine sniffer dogs and their trainers at collapse site and K9 USAR Canada had one dog there.
The investigation into why the building collapsed when other highrises in Bangkok remain structurally sound began today and will primarily involve the Department of Special Investigation, the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning and the Metropolitan Police Bureau.
Pol Maj Woranan Srilam, DSI director for consumer protection, said yesterday that DSI officials and inspectors from the public works department and the Thai Industrial Standards Institute would check the quality of the concrete and steel at the collapse site and the DSI would look into the possible use of Thai nominees by the construction company.
He advised three Thai nationals listed as shareholders of China Railway No.10 Engineering Co to report to police and share what information they have with authorities. CREC 10 is part of the ITD-CREC consortium contracted to build the 30-storey State Audit Office at a cost of B2.1 billion.
Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poonsawat, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said police investigators would collect samples of steel rods, concrete used in the construction and other material evidence, for examination.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
This came as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration confirmed it is to provide financial aid to city residents affected by the earthquake.
Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, BMA spokesman, said that the city’s 50 district offices are now accepting registrations for assistance and compensation for residents affected by the recent earthquake. The registration period will run until Apr 27.
To qualify for aid, applicants, including Thais or foreigners, must meet the following criteria: The earthquake must have damaged a permanent residence, either a house or a condominium unit. Additionally, the property must be a primary residence, with supporting documentation such as a household registration certificate or rental agreement, he said.
The assistance programme includes several forms of support. Applicants can receive up to B49,500 for repair materials to fix damaged homes. Temporary accommodation or rental assistance is available, with up to B3,000 per month for up to two months, capped at B6,000. Funeral expenses are covered at B29,700 per deceased person, with an additional B29,700 if the deceased was the head of the household.
Medical assistance for injuries is also provided, including B4,000 for serious injuries and B13,300 for disabilities. Compensation of B2,300 is available for those injured in the disaster. Furthermore, financial support of up to B11,400 is available for the livelihood development fund, he said.
To apply for assistance, applicants should submit the required form along with necessary documents, such as ID cards or passports for non-Thai residents, household registration, and evidence of damage.