BANGKOK – Thai authorities scrambled on Wednesday to contain a massive sinkhole that opened near Vajira Hospital in central Bangkok, disrupting traffic, power, and water services in the area.
The sinkhole, estimated to be about 50 meters (164 feet) deep and spanning 900 square meters, appeared in front of the hospital, forcing a temporary halt in medical services and road closures.
Footage circulating on social media showed the ground gradually collapsing as water gushed from a ruptured drainage pipe, pulling down electricity poles and damaging nearby infrastructure. The hospital later announced that it would stop receiving new patients during the incident as a precautionary measure.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who inspected the site, said construction activity in the area contributed to the collapse. “Dirt from an underground train construction was sliding in,” Anutin told reporters. “Luckily there are no deaths or injuries.”
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed that a burst pipe worsened the situation, cutting water and power lines in the vicinity. “The hospital has no problems, but we are worried about the police station: that’s still dangerous and the public has been evacuated,” he said.
By midday, emergency crews said they had managed to stop further ground movement and were closely monitoring the site to prevent additional damage. Authorities are now working to restore utilities and ensure the stability of nearby buildings.
The sinkhole has raised concerns about the safety of Bangkok’s infrastructure, particularly in areas where heavy construction projects, including subway and drainage systems, are ongoing.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
