A prominent Thai billionaire, Premchai Karnasuta, has surrendered to police in connection with the deadly collapse of a high-rise building in Bangkok. The incident, which occurred during an earthquake in late March, resulted in numerous fatalities, drawing intense public scrutiny and calls for accountability. Karnasuta, known as the president of Italian-Thai Development (ITD), one of the country’s largest construction firms, is among 17 individuals facing criminal negligence charges.
The partially constructed 30-storey State Audit Office tower was the only building in Bangkok to collapse during the March 28 earthquake, which had its epicenter in neighboring Myanmar. This anomaly immediately raised suspicions about the building’s structural integrity and the construction practices employed. The collapse tragically claimed the lives of 92 workers.
Investigations by the police and expert assessments have revealed serious issues with the building’s design and construction. Authorities stated that the architectural plan did not comply with ministerial regulations or meet technical standards. Allegations of “structural flaws in the core lift shaft and substandard concrete and steel” have also surfaced in media reports.
Premchai Karnasuta, along with designers, engineers, and other individuals associated with the project’s construction and design, was formally charged with professional negligence causing death. This marks the second major legal entanglement for the billionaire, who was previously convicted of wildlife poaching in 2019.
Following the issuance of arrest warrants, 15 of the 17 charged individuals, including Premchai Karnasuta who arrived in a wheelchair, surrendered to police on May 16, 2025. They publicly denied the charges against them. The remaining two suspects were expected to report to authorities shortly thereafter.
The Criminal Court in Bangkok subsequently denied bail for all 15 suspects, citing a possible flight risk, and ordered their transfer to Bangkok Remand Prison. This move underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case and their determination to ensure justice for the victims.
This incident has ignited a wider debate in Thai Billionaire regarding construction safety standards and accountability, particularly for large-scale projects. Allegations of irregular documentation and potential corruption have also been reported, highlighting systemic issues within the construction industry.