Governor Chadchart revealed that at 6 a.m. on 19 July, three lanes of inbound traffic from Wongwian Yai toward Phut Bridge and Phra Pok Klao Bridge will reopen after no additional ground subsidence was detected. The outbound lanes remain closed, with safety emphasized as the top priority.
18 July 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok along with Mr. Wisanu Subsompon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, visited the site to monitor the situation regarding water leakage into the MRT tunnel at Wongwian Yai. They held a meeting with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), contractors, engineering agencies, and related parties to track progress on resolving the issue, emphasizing that all operations must prioritize public safety.
According to progress reports, the situation has begun to stabilize by adding approximately 1,000 cubic meters of water into the tunnel to balance the pressure with groundwater, resulting in no additional water leakage and eliminating the need for further pumping. This has improved control of the situation. Regarding ground reinforcement, over 1,165 cubic meters of chemical grout have been injected through five grout heads at depths ranging from about 37 meters to 3 meters underground, creating a strong soil wall around the tunnel to reduce water backflow and enhance soil stability.
"Measurements over the past two days show no further ground subsidence. The road surface has slightly rebounded, and monitoring within a 30-meter radius from the incident site has found no additional abnormalities."
Regarding traffic management, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will open three inbound lanes heading to Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge (Phut Bridge) and Phra Pok Klao Bridge starting Sunday, 19 July 2026, at 6 a.m., to test traffic flow. Outbound traffic from Phut Bridge toward Wongwian Yai remains closed. This is to allow space for equipment installation and ongoing grout injection. The public is advised to use alternative routes: vehicles from Phut Bridge and Phra Pok Klao Bridge should turn right at Ban Khaek intersection to enter Isaraphap Road.
Governor Chadchart said the reopening follows engineers' assessment that the situation has stabilized. However, Bangkok still prioritizes safety first. If monitoring reveals abnormalities, plans will be adjusted immediately. The city will not rush to reopen the entire area until safety is fully assured.
Meanwhile, the Governor ordered contractors to install additional monitoring equipment, report results daily, and inspect surrounding buildings every two hours to continuously assess safety. Furthermore, on 21–22 July 2026, representatives from the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, the Engineering Institute of Thailand, and related agencies will be invited to inspect affected apartment buildings to evaluate safety before residents are allowed to return.
Today, the Governor also instructed police and contractors to facilitate traffic near Soi Lat Ya 1, a key shortcut, by prohibiting parked vehicles that block flow to improve traffic dispersal. Coordination with the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority is ongoing to closely monitor water pipe pressure. In case of pipe breaks or leaks, water will be shut off immediately to prevent impacts on soil stability.
Regarding resident care, about 128 units in risk areas have been vacated, with most residents staying with relatives or in hotels. One unit is unreachable, and another occupant chose not to move out. Meanwhile, 61 affected business operators and merchants have registered complaints; Bangkok will expedite emergency housing support and later coordinate with MRTA and contractors on long-term compensation.
However, related agencies estimate that initial repair and monitoring may take about six months to fully resolve the water leakage into the tunnel. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will continue close monitoring and carry out all steps with the utmost priority on public safety.