In late September 2025, a significant ground collapse occurred on Samsen Road in the Dusit district of Bangkok, Thailand, adjacent to Vajira Hospital and the Samsen Police Station. The resulting sinkhole, which emerged at approximately 7:13 AM local time on 24 September, initially measured an estimated 30 meters in width and 50 meters in depth. This event caused severe structural damage and swallowing multiple vehicles, including a police tow truck. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also an engineer, estimated that repairs would take at least a year. While no casualties were reported, the incident led to the immediate suspension of utility services and evacuation of nearby buildings as authorities assessed further risks. Following the initial sinkhole collapse, reports confirmed continued ground instability and further subsidence in the affected area to 40 meters wide. Structural assessments revealed significant cracking and slight tilting in the foundation of the Samsen Police Station, raising concerns about potential structural failure if ground displacement persists.
Preliminary investigations suggest the sinkhole was triggered by a combination of underground subway construction and water pipe failure. The compromised pipe likely allowed water to erode the surrounding soil, which, combined with ongoing tunnel work and recent heavy rains, led to a sudden loss of ground stability. Responsibility for the design and construction of the tunnel and underground stations along the Taopoon–National Library section, covering a distance of 4.8 kilometers, lies with the contractor awarded Contract 1. This contract, valued at 19.43 billion baht (approximately S$778 million), is executed by the CKST-PL joint venture, which consists of CH. Karnchang and Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction.
As the principal contractors, the joint venture holds accountability for ensuring the structural integrity, safety standards, and adherence to engineering specifications throughout the project duration. Consequently, any issues related to construction quality or subsurface stability within this section fall under their purview, subject to oversight by relevant regulatory authorities.
This incident underscores the role of Bangkok’s characteristically soft ground in exacerbating the collapse, thereby highlighting the city’s broader susceptibility to infrastructure failures. It brings to the forefront the significant engineering and urban planning challenges confronted by rapidly developing metropolitan areas such as Bangkok. The confluence of aging infrastructure, expansive modern underground transit developments, and seasonal monsoon conditions generates complex geotechnical risks that necessitate comprehensive assessment and rigorous risk management strategies. Consequently, the sinkhole event has prompted renewed scrutiny regarding the safety standards and regulatory oversight of large-scale construction projects within densely populated urban environments.
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