What Happened to the Bangkok Sinkhole? Latest Update Explained

A massive sinkhole shocked Bangkok on Wednesday, September 24, when a section of road outside Vajira Hospital suddenly collapsed. The hole swallowed a car, utility poles, and part of the busy street, forcing officials to close the area and evacuate nearby buildings.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the hospital building was safe but the nearby police station remained at risk. Emergency crews cordoned off the zone and advised the public to stay away as engineers assessed the damage.

Bangkok Sinkhole: Cause, Scale, and Official Response

According to Reuters, the sinkhole measures around 164 feet deep and nearly 9,700 square feet in area. The collapse cut electricity and water supplies to parts of the district and caused major traffic jams. Crews worked to restore power and secure dangling utility poles.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed there were no injuries or deaths. He said fast evacuations and quick response from authorities prevented casualties. Vajira Hospital stopped accepting new patients while emergency work continued, but its main facilities remained stable.

Officials blamed the collapse on a burst water pipe beneath the road. The leak flooded a tunnel being built to extend Bangkok’s subway system, washing away soil and leaving a hollow space under the surface. Video shared online showed dirt falling in as water poured from broken pipes.

Bangkok sinkhole

Impact on Traffic, Safety, and Future Projects

The sinkhole has caused severe disruption in one of Bangkok’s busiest areas. Roads were blocked, and commuters were diverted through alternate routes. Utility teams worked overnight to stabilize electricity and repair water lines. Police warned the public to avoid the area while monitoring continues.

City engineers are reinforcing the ground and checking nearby structures for risk. Bangkok officials said repairs may take weeks and could slow the subway expansion project. Safety teams are also reviewing other construction sites to prevent similar incidents.

The sudden collapse has raised concerns about Bangkok’s infrastructure. The city’s soft soil, frequent flooding, and rapid urban development make it vulnerable to ground failures, especially during large underground projects.

The Bangkok sinkhole remains under close watch as emergency crews repair the damage and stabilize the area. Residents are urged to follow official updates and avoid restricted roads while the city works to ensure safety.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How deep is the Bangkok sinkhole?

The sinkhole is about 164 feet deep and spans nearly 9,700 square feet.

Q2: Where exactly did the Bangkok sinkhole open?

It opened outside Vajira Hospital and near a police station in central Bangkok.

Q3: Were there any injuries from the Bangkok sinkhole?

No injuries or deaths were reported, according to Thai officials.

Q4: What triggered the Bangkok sinkhole?

A burst water pipe in a subway tunnel under construction caused the soil to collapse.

Q5: Is it safe to travel near the sinkhole area now?

Authorities have stabilized the ground but are still monitoring the site. Some roads remain closed.

References

Reuters. (2025). Massive sinkhole swallows car and road in Bangkok; no injuries reported. September 24, 2025.

Associated Press. (2025). Thai officials say burst pipe under subway project triggered Bangkok sinkhole. September 24, 2025.

BBC News. (2025). Bangkok sinkhole disrupts traffic and utilities near major hospital. September 24, 2025.