BANGKOK (March 30): Thai police on Sunday arrested four Chinese nationals for unlawfully entering the site of an under construction building that collapsed after a powerful earthquake in the Chatuchak district here, in an attempt to retrieve documents.

Deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Pol Maj Gen Napasilp Phulsawat, revealed that the four men allegedly entered the restricted zone without authorisation, and removed 37 files from the rear of the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) construction site.

"After receiving reports from the public regarding individuals removing documents from the site, authorities launched an investigation.

"Police apprehended one Chinese national near the disaster zone, who identified himself as the project director overseeing the building’s construction," he said in a statement issued on Sunday.

The under construction 30-storey SAO building collapsed after a powerful  7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand last Friday.

Napasilp said all documents had been taken into police custody for examination, and investigators would consult engineers to analyse the seized materials for evidence related to the collapse.

He added that initial questioning revealed that the men — employees of a joint-venture company involved in the project — possessed valid visas, work permits, and passports, confirming their legal employment.

Last Friday, Bangkok’s governor declared the area a disaster zone, prohibiting access to unauthorised personnel under the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act.

The Chatuchak District Office is preparing a formal complaint to charge the individuals under the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act.

Police will summon all four suspects for further legal proceedings once the case is officially filed. Under the Act, unauthorised entry into a restricted disaster area carries a penalty of up to three months' imprisonment, a fine of up to 6,000 baht (RM783.06), or both.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid entering the disaster zone, as warning signs and restrictions have been clearly posted. Anyone needing access must obtain prior authorisation from the Bangkok governor.

Uploaded by Tham Yek Lee