Wed Sep 24 05:40:00 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Sinkhole Swallows Section of Samsen Road, Disrupts Vajira Hospital Services
**Bangkok, Thailand – September 24, 2025** – A massive sinkhole opened up on Samsen Road in front of Vajira Hospital early Wednesday morning, forcing the suspension of outpatient services and the relocation of thousands of inpatients. The incident, which occurred around 7:13 AM, left a gaping hole approximately 30 meters wide, 30 meters long, and 50 meters deep directly above the Vajira Hospital train station.
While no injuries have been reported, the sudden collapse prompted the immediate closure of traffic between the Vajira and Sanghi intersections. Dusit District officials ordered the evacuation of outpatient services at Vajira Hospital, affecting an estimated 3,500 inpatients who were moved from adjacent buildings. Preliminary reports suggest the hospital structures themselves have not sustained damage. Residents of nearby apartment buildings were also advised to evacuate.
The sinkhole swallowed two electricity poles and a police vehicle. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) is currently working to address the electrical hazards. The area has been previously closed off due to the ongoing construction of the Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) Purple Line extension.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who arrived on the scene with a team of officials to assess the damage, stated that the sinkhole formed at the junction between the tunnel and the Vajira Hospital train station. “The soil flowed into the tunnel, causing surrounding structures to collapse and a large water pipe to break,” he explained. Authorities have cut off water and electricity to the affected area to stabilize the situation and prevent further risks.
Urgent measures are underway, including sealing the tunnel leak, assessing the structural integrity of surrounding buildings, monitoring soil movement, and managing traffic flow. Governor Chadchart expressed concern about potential rainfall exacerbating the situation and causing further soil erosion into the openings. A dedicated team has been formed to evaluate and respond to potential rainfall scenarios.
Vajira Hospital has suspended outpatient services for two days, while inpatient services remain operational. Governor Chadchart assured the public that other hospitals under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration are available to handle outpatient cases during this period.
The BMA will hold daily meetings at noon and 6 PM to monitor the ongoing situation and coordinate relief efforts. The cause of the subsidence is currently under investigation.
First Piper 