K9 team wraps up collapsed Bangkok building search after 11 days
The K9 urban search and rescue (USAR) Thailand team has called off the search for missing persons in the aftermath of the tragic State Audit Office building collapse, confirming the end of their heroic operation.
After a grueling 11 days of searching since the disaster on Friday, March 28, Suthikiat Sophonik, Director of the National Rescue Dog Organisation, announced that their mission had come to a close.
According to USAR regulations, the team must operate for at least seven to 10 days, and with their work complete, the decision was made to hand over the area to the building’s owners for further operations, Amarib TV reported.
“There comes a point when continuing could risk the safety of our K9s or officers. It was the right decision to stop, ensuring no one gets hurt.”
Throughout the mission, no injuries were reported, with all K9s and officers receiving vital support from sponsors, medical teams, and kind-hearted locals.
“Without that support, we could’ve only worked for three to four days. It kept us going until the very end. We’re incredibly grateful.”
In a heartwarming move, Alongkot Chukaew, Deputy Director of K9 USAR Thailand, confirmed that the team would be heading out to thank those who provided essential assistance, from the Bangkok Governor (Chadchart Sittipunt) to the volunteers in Chatuchak district, who supplied food, water, and shelter for both the rescue teams and their furry partners.
As the team wraps up their search, they will pay their respects to the victims’ families before heading home, but their message is clear: “We’ll always be there when disaster strikes.”
In related news, the Ministry of Labour announced that the families of those who lost their lives in the State Audit Office building collapse are set to receive compensation amounting up to 2 million baht per family.
Rescue teams, however, will be continuing their search for missing persons. Some 77 people are still unaccounted for at the site of the 30-storey building collapse. The death toll has risen from 15 to 17 following the discovery of two more bodies on Saturday, April 5.
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