Bangkok Sinkhole Disrupts City

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } Latest News from NourishThe Nourish Mission (formerly OneSub)Get answers to today's big questionsBangkok Sinkhole Disrupts Citylocal news > disastersA large sinkhole opened in Bangkok's old town, swallowing vehicles and damaging infrastructure. The collapse is linked to ongoing underground train construction and soil erosion, raising safety concerns and delaying the Purple Line project. Authorities are working to stabilize the area amid heavy rains and ongoing repairs.

What's happened

A large sinkhole opened in Bangkok's old town, swallowing vehicles and damaging infrastructure. The collapse is linked to ongoing underground train construction and soil erosion, raising safety concerns and delaying the Purple Line project. Authorities are working to stabilize the area amid heavy rains and ongoing repairs.

What's behind the headline?

The sinkhole highlights Bangkok's ongoing struggle with urban infrastructure and geological vulnerabilities.

The incident underscores the risks of building on soft, waterlogged soil, especially when underground projects are involved.
The rapid urbanization and heavy rains during monsoon season exacerbate soil instability, making sinkholes more likely.
The collapse near Vajira Hospital and police station demonstrates the danger to critical infrastructure and public safety.
Authorities' response, including emergency evacuations and quick stabilization efforts, shows resilience but also reveals systemic vulnerabilities.
The delays to the Purple Line project will likely cost millions and set back transportation plans, raising questions about infrastructure safety standards.
This event should serve as a wake-up call for Bangkok to reassess its urban planning and soil stability measures, especially as climate change increases extreme weather events.

Forecasting forward, unless significant geological assessments and infrastructure safeguards are implemented, similar collapses will recur, risking lives and economic costs. The city must prioritize sustainable, resilient urban development to prevent future disasters.

What the papers say

The South China Morning Post provides a detailed account of the sinkhole's size, impact, and the response, emphasizing the connection to ongoing train construction and soil erosion. Gulf News highlights the incident's dramatic nature and the risks posed by heavy rains and soil instability. Bloomberg offers a concise overview of the collapse's scale and the authorities' monitoring efforts. AP News and The Independent focus on the safety response, evacuations, and the impact on local infrastructure, including the hospital and police station. All sources agree on the event's severity and the link to construction and soil conditions, though they differ slightly in emphasis—some stressing the safety risks, others the economic and project delays.

How we got here

Bangkok's soft, floodplain soil makes it prone to subsidence, especially during heavy rains and monsoon season. The city has a history of sinkholes, often linked to underground infrastructure projects. Recent construction of a new train line and underground station has increased the risk of soil destabilization, compounded by heavy rainfall and water pipe leaks, which erode supporting earth and cause collapses.

Go deeper

Common question

What Caused the Bangkok Sinkhole and Is Urban Construction to Blame?
A massive sinkhole has recently opened in Bangkok, causing widespread disruption and raising concerns about urban safety during heavy rains. Many wonder what triggered this event and how authorities are responding. Below, we explore the causes, risks, and safety measures related to this alarming incident.
What caused the Bangkok sinkhole and is it being fixed?
A massive sinkhole recently opened in Bangkok's old town, causing widespread disruption and raising safety concerns. The collapse is linked to ongoing underground train construction, soil erosion, and heavy rains. Many wonder what exactly caused this event, how authorities are managing the repairs, and whether similar incidents could happen elsewhere. Below, we explore these questions and more to keep you informed about urban safety and infrastructure risks.