Bangkok: A massive sinkhole that suddenly opened up in central Bangkok has thrown the city into chaos, damaging infrastructure, disrupting hospital operations, and raising serious concerns over the safety of the capital’s underground construction projects.
The sinkhole, which appeared on Samsen Road in front of Vajira Hospital, is estimated to be nearly 50 meters deep and covering an area of about 900 square meters. Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene as the asphalt gave way, sucking in soil and sending water gushing from burst pipelines. Utility poles collapsed into the void, while electricity and water supplies were cut off in the surrounding neighborhood.
Although the disaster caused extensive structural damage, Thai authorities confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were reported. Still, the scale of the collapse forced Vajira Hospital to temporarily suspend new admissions, while residents and even a nearby police station were evacuated as a precaution. The hospital, one of the key health facilities in Bangkok, is now operating under restricted capacity.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul quickly addressed the crisis, linking the incident partly to nearby underground train construction works. “The dirt from underground construction was sliding in,” he said, adding that swift measures are being taken to stabilize the ground. His statement pointed toward the growing challenge of balancing Bangkok’s rapid infrastructure expansion with the city’s fragile geology.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt explained that the sinkhole was triggered by a burst drainage pipe, which washed away supporting soil beneath the road. Emergency crews worked throughout the day to pump out water, secure the perimeter, and prevent further collapse. Specialists in geotechnical engineering were deployed to assess risks, with authorities confirming by evening that the collapse had been temporarily contained.
The incident has sparked urgent debate about the safety of Bangkok’s infrastructure. The capital, built on soft clay soil and long plagued by subsidence, is highly vulnerable to ground collapses and flooding. Experts are now calling for stricter monitoring of underground works and drainage systems to prevent future disasters.
For many residents, the sinkhole is not just a physical scar on the city but also a symbol of the risks posed by unchecked urbanization. As Bangkok pushes ahead with ambitious subway and road projects, the government now faces mounting pressure to ensure that public safety is never sacrificed at the altar of development.
Authorities have assured that full restoration of water, electricity, and road access near Vajira Hospital will be prioritized in the coming days. But the haunting image of a yawning pit swallowing part of Bangkok’s core infrastructure will remain a stark reminder of the city’s vulnerabilities.