Bangkok 30 storey Audit Office Collapse Attributed to Construction Defects

On March 28, 2025, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake originating in central Myanmar caused the collapse of a 30-storey State Audit Office building under construction in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. It was the only documented structural failure in the capital directly linked to the seismic event. Investigations have since confirmed that the collapse resulted from critical shortcomings in both the building's design and construction practices.

A multi-agency investigation, involving government experts and three academic institutions, found that the primary failure occurred in the shear wall systems surrounding stairwells and elevator shafts. These vertical elements, essential for resisting lateral forces, were improperly designed and constructed. Although initial concerns were raised about the quality of materials, analysis confirmed that the steel and concrete used met required standards.

However, further technical review revealed that the way the materials were implemented deviated from regulatory standards. In particular, steel elements were reportedly cut down in size and installed in configurations that were not permitted under current codes. Additionally, the project’s execution did not meet legal compliance in several areas of structural assembly. Computer simulations were used to reconstruct the collapse, indicating that adherence to building codes would likely have improved the structure’s seismic resilience during the earthquake.

Authorities have launched legal proceedings to hold accountable those involved in the project, including contractors and supervisors. Meanwhile, strict inspection protocols have been applied to other major construction sites across the region. The incident has prompted renewed focus on compliance throughout the entire design and build process, especially in earthquake-prone zones.

Following is video footage showing the moment of the building’s collapse.