BANGKOK — Rescue teams have recovered three more bodies from the wreckage of the 30-storey building collapse in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, raising the official death toll to 21, authorities confirmed on April 8.
At least 73 people remain unaccounted for, according to the latest update from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The building, which housed the State Audit Office and was still under construction, crumbled on March 28 following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake near Mandalay, Myanmar, trapping many workers beneath the debris.
Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Dr. Tavida Kamolvej, reported that most of the victims were found in Zones A and C, while search teams continue to focus efforts on Zone D, where a significant number of workers are believed to be trapped. Plans are underway to deploy Thailand’s largest backhoe loader on April 8 to help clear massive amounts of debris blocking key areas, particularly the lift shaft in Zone C.
Clearing the lift shaft is critical to giving rescue crews access to the upper floors — from the 20th floor upward — where more victims are thought to be buried beneath the rubble, Dr. Tavida explained.
“This is an unprecedented demolition operation, with over 20,000 cubic meters of rubble piled at the site,” she said. “Bringing in the backhoe will help lower the structure’s height and open access to Zones C and D.”
She also addressed misinformation circulating online, clarifying that the contractors involved have not requested public donations. “Please be aware of false claims — the contractors have made no such appeals,” Dr. Tavida emphasized. Rescue operations are ongoing around the clock, with teams working in shifts and heavy machinery continuously clearing debris as they race against time to reach potential survivors.