Chadchart revealed that ground subsidence near Prachathipok Road occurred following a water leak in the underground metro tunnel construction. The situation remains stable with no alarming signs or additional building cracks detected. Residents within a 30-meter radius have been ordered to evacuate for safety.
On 10 July 2026, after a water leak occurred at the Purple Line metro project tunnel between Tao Poon and Rat Burana near Wongwian Yai Station, authorities ordered the evacuation of residents living within 30 meters of the affected buildings, advising them to leave the area and avoid using the buildings for safety reasons.
This morning, reporters at the scene found that officials had cordoned off the area for safety, particularly closing a pedestrian bridge which was still accessible yesterday but is now shut due to its proximity to the incident. Most houses and shops in the area were closed with no residents or business operators inside, as most people had evacuated, leaving only a few remaining.
Additionally, officials continue to inspect building conditions, measure subsidence levels, and monitor vibrations and building tilt around the clock using the "ScopeEye" device, installed by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) together with USAR Thailand.
Regarding traffic, after authorities closed all roads at the incident site and opened a detour at Ban Khaek Intersection, heavy vehicle buildup was observed causing slow traffic. Traffic around Wongwian Yai remained movable, though slow in some parts, under close management by traffic police from Buppharam Police Station.
At the central island of Wongwian Yai, in front of the King Taksin the Great Monument, officials set up a command center and a complaint center to assist the public. Relevant agencies such as the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, municipal officers, and UNIQUE Company staff are present at the center.
At 07:30, Chadchart Sitthiphan, Governor of Bangkok, along with Acting Captain Detathon Saeng-amnat, Director of Thonburi District, and Police Colonel Phuwadon Unphot, Chief of Buppharam Police Station, visited the incident site to monitor the situation. Chadchart discussed the current status with related agencies, inquired about traffic issues following road closures, and communicated with local residents, apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the event.
Chadchart stated that observations of the external area, especially the central pillars of the pedestrian bridge, show that subsidence has almost stopped. Currently, there are no signs more concerning than those from yesterday. However, evacuation remains necessary for safety.
Today, progress on repairs will be reassessed after contractors have injected substantial grout to reinforce the soil layer beneath. Initial evaluations suggest the subsidence remains at a controllable level, but technical confirmation from the contractor is still pending.
Regarding evacuation, almost all residents within the 30-meter radius have left, though a few remain inside buildings. The district director will continue coordinating and communicating with those yet to evacuate. The evacuation zone mainly comprises commercial buildings and dormitories.
Chadchart added that inspections so far have found no new cracks or increased damage to buildings. Overall subsidence appears to be slowing compared to yesterday when it was more severe. Whether repairs will take about a week as originally planned is not yet confirmed, as contractors continue working inside the tunnel. Bangkok authorities focus on surface safety, while engineering details await contractor reports.
When asked if there were any particularly worrying spots, Chadchart said preliminary assessments show no increase in subsidence. While awaiting expert evaluations, external observations reveal no abnormalities, with conditions more stable than yesterday.
On traffic, Chadchart thanked police officers for effectively managing the situation. The Cell Broadcast alert system helped inform the public early, allowing them to plan their travel. This area is critical due to heavy vehicle use.
He advised avoiding Prachathipok Road from the Victory Monument to Ban Khaek Intersection but noted that Lat Ya, Somdet Chaopraya, and Isaraphap Roads remain open. The public should closely follow news updates as bus routes continue to be adjusted. If safety improves, buses may resume their normal routes for convenience.
Studyananree School has delayed its start time to 09:00 to ease traffic impact. Further measures will be evaluated at noon. Road closures remain from Prachathipok Road to Wongwian Yai and Ban Khaek Intersection.
Regarding rainfall, Chadchart said it is unlikely to have a direct effect as there are no open pits in the area for rainwater to flow into, unlike the incident near Vajira Hospital. Officials will continue monitoring underground water levels for any changes.
He acknowledged that monitoring instruments have detected slight increases in subsidence but remain within non-alarming levels. Officials continue to closely monitor the situation 24 hours a day.