Bangkok: The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has initiated three urgent measures in response to the landslide and water leak incident in the Purple Line subway tunnel. Governor Chatchart has mandated a review of the incident at Vajira Hospital and is preparing traffic management strategies for schools around the Wongwian Yai roundabout.
According to Thai News Agency, at 6:45 PM on July 9, 2026, Governor Chatchart Sittipunt, along with Deputy Governor Wisanu Trapsompol and Deputy Permanent Secretary Kanokwan Eiamlim, inspected the area around the King Taksin roundabout. The inspection followed reports of a water leak from a drainage pit beneath the Purple Line South elevated train construction tunnel. While the water level has stabilized, the situation remains under control, and preventive measures are being implemented.
Governor Chatchart examined a ground subsidence incident on Prachathipok Road near Wongwian Yai, triggered by water seepage into the Southern Purple Line tunnel under construction. This caused a collapse of the outer soil layer, affecting nearby buildings. The BMA is working with the Mass Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and the contractor to manage the situation and ensure the safety of those above the affected area.
The governor mentioned that the water leak in the Purple Line subway tunnel occurred near Vajira Hospital but involved a different contractor. The water intrusion led to soil collapse above the drainage pit. The BMA is coordinating with the Thonburi and Khlong San District Offices, as well as the Buppharam Police Station, to implement three main measures:
1. Monitor and Evacuate High-Risk Buildings: The BMA and MRTA have set up a 30-meter monitoring radius from the incident site to closely track water leakage, soil volume, and potential building subsidence. Residents from 2-3 high-risk buildings near the site have been evacuated to temporary safe locations, with MRTA contractors covering all related expenses. Additional monitoring equipment has been installed to provide immediate warnings of further subsidence.
2. Traffic Closure on Prachathipok Road: To prevent vibrations that could affect soil and building structures, the BMA has closed Prachathipok Road from Ban Khaek Intersection to the King Taksin Monument. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes like Isaraphab Road, Lad Ya Road, or Somdet Chao Phraya Road.
3. Traffic Mitigation Plan for Schools: Considering the area's congestion and proximity to large schools, the governor plans to adapt past solutions to subsidence issues near Vajira Hospital to address potential traffic disruptions. This may involve additional school buses to ease congestion, with route details to be announced.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has equipped the site with mobile power generators, life balloons, and lighting to assist officials during nighttime operations. Volunteers and foundations are also on standby to provide emergency support, including medical transfers.