Bangkok (VNA) – Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered an urgent investigation into a massive land subsidence that occurred in Bangkok earlier on September 24.
The collapse took place near Vajira Hospital on Samsen road, caused by soil erosion at the construction site of the new MRT Purple Line.
The large-scale underground project stretches from the Parliament through Sam Sen road, tunnels under the Chao Phraya River, and continues toward Suksawat. A 30-by-30 meter section of road in front of the hospital suddenly sank, forming a sinkhole up to 50 meters deep.
The incident struck at one of the most complex points along the route where the tunnel intersects with the future Vajira Hospital station. Soil rushed into the tunnel, causing surrounding structures to collapse and rupturing a major water pipeline.
After inspecting the site, Prime Minister Anutin confirmed there were no casualties but noted the sinkhole damaged a police station and forced Vajira Hospital to suspend outpatient services.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has suspended construction on the Purple Line in the affected area. Meanwhile, city authorities cut power and water to control risks and implemented emergency measures such as sealing leaks in the tunnel, assessing the safety of nearby buildings, monitoring soil movement, and managing traffic.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt warned that heavy rainfall could worsen the situation by washing more soil into underground voids. A team of experts has been set up to evaluate and respond to potential risks.
Vajira Hospital has suspended outpatient services for two days and evacuated around 3,500 inpatients from buildings close to the sinkhole.
Governor Chadchart said other city hospitals are ready to take over outpatient cases, while nearby residents have also been advised to evacuate.
Authorities stressed that the incident is a reminder of the risks Bangkok faces as it expands its urban transport network. City officials will hold daily briefings at noon and 6pm to monitor and direct response efforts./.
