Bangkok: Officials convened to deliberate on the demolition of the Samsen Police Station building following a site assessment which revealed a leaning structure accompanied by significant cracking, rendering it unsafe for future use.

According to Thai News Agency, the decision to demolish the newly constructed building came after it was affected by road subsidence, exposing piles of approximately 25 meters in depth. Despite efforts to stabilize the foundation by filling it with sand, the structural integrity could not be restored. On October 2nd, authorities added about 1,300 cubic meters of sand, increasing the total to nearly 4,000 cubic meters, reaching a height of 5 meters, with inspections continuing to assess the building’s structure.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt initially withheld details, calling for a comprehensive re-inspection involving all relevant agencies before a decision is made. A visit is planned after which he will clarify the reasons for and against proceeding with the demolition.

Earlier attempts to stabilize the building included the installation of temporary supports and the removal of existing piles. Surveillance cameras were placed to monitor the building’s movement, and while no significant movement was initially detected, subsequent vibrations and cracks appeared in the parking area beneath the station. Although earlier assessments indicated that demolition might not be necessary, further evaluations concluded that the building posed safety risks. A consensus was reached in a meeting with the Prime Minister’s agreement that demolition should proceed.