Giant Sinkhole Swallows Road in Bangkok, Halts Traffic

A giant sinkhole measuring about 98 square feet and plunging approximately 50 meters (160 feet) deep opened on Samsen Road in Bangkok on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. The sinkhole emerged near Vajira Hospital and Samsen Police Station, swallowing three vehicles, electricity poles, and damaging underground water pipes. The sudden collapse paralyzed traffic, cut off power and water supply in the area, and forced the evacuation of patients, hospital staff, police officers, and nearby residents as a precaution. No casualties have been reported so far.

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The incident occurred in the midst of Bangkok’s monsoon season, and heavy rains likely worsened the situation. Officials including Suriyachai Rawiwan, head of Bangkok’s disaster prevention agency, attributed the sinkhole to heavy rainfall eroding a large underground water pipe that was suspected to be leaking. The collapse was further aggravated by soil sliding from construction activities related to an underground train station near the hospital.

Authorities have closed Samsen Road between Vajira and Sanghi intersections to stabilize the area, repair damaged infrastructure, and ensure public safety. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority and other agencies are working to restore utilities and prevent further damage, with repairs expected to take several months to a year. Officials continue to monitor the sinkhole as it has a tendency to expand, raising concerns about the safety of nearby buildings, including the police station whose foundation may be compromised.