Bangkok Evacuates 60 Residents After Ground Sinkhole at Purple Line Construction Site

Bangkok Evacuates 60 Residents After Ground Sinkhole at Purple Line Construction Site

BANGKOK, July 10, 2026 – Thai authorities have urgently evacuated approximately 60 residents from their homes and closed a major road in the Wongwian Yai area after water leakage at the Purple Line subway construction site caused ground subsidence and raised safety concerns for nearby buildings.

The incident occurred on July 9 when water leaked into a drainage shaft of the tunnel under construction, causing surrounding soil to flow into the tunnel and resulting in surface cracks and instability beneath three commercial buildings.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt inspected the site personally and ordered the establishment of a 30-metre safety zone around the affected area. The evacuees have been relocated to hotels for at least one week, with the contractor responsible for all accommodation and related compensation costs.

Authorities have closed approximately 200 metres of Prajadhipok Road for outbound traffic to reduce vibrations that could worsen the subsidence. Inbound traffic has been temporarily diverted, and measures are being considered to transport students from Suankularb Wittayalai School to ease congestion.

Monitoring equipment has been installed on affected buildings to track tilting and movement in real time. While authorities have stated that the subsidence has begun to stabilise, roads and buildings will remain closed until engineers confirm that the leakage has been fully repaired and structures are safe.

The incident has raised fresh concerns, coming just months after a similar ground subsidence occurred near Vajira Hospital along the same Purple Line project.

— Sources: The Nation Thailand, July 10, 2026,

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40068456

Reported by The Khmer Today