Bangkok Governor Evacuates Residents After MRT Project Causes Land Subsidence

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has ordered the temporary evacuation of residents and the closure of a road near the Wongwian Yai intersection after a water leak at an underground railway construction project caused land subsidence. The incident occurred at the MRT Purple Line South construction site on Prachatipok Road. A water leak inside a retaining pond caused the surrounding ground to sink, prompting local authorities to close the road and monitor an area within a 30-metre radius of the site. “Our top priority is surface safety. We are continuously monitoring the rate of water and soil leakage, ground subsidence, and the potential tilting of buildings around the location,” Chadchart said. Approximately 60 residents occupying three commercial buildings along Prachatipok Road were ordered to evacuate for about one week. Sensors have also been installed on several buildings near the site to monitor structural movement and tilting at all times. The city administration has closed both directions of Prachatipok Road to reduce traffic vibrations and facilitate the repair process. The public has been advised to use alternative routes or public transport. The contractor for the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) project has pumped out water and injected concrete into the ground to stabilise the affected area. Initial inspections by engineers showed no significant indication of further subsidence in the surrounding buildings. Nevertheless, the local district office has imposed a temporary ban on entering the affected buildings until conditions are confirmed safe. The project contractor will also cover accommodation costs for the displaced residents.