Bangkok: The demolition of the Samsen Police Station building has begun. The operation kicked off with the use of chain saws to cut the foundation piers, reducing the weight and vibration of the structure. Additionally, a slope measuring device was installed to monitor the building's tilt for continuous safety.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Tinnakorn Rojanatara, a representative of the consulting company overseeing the construction of the Purple Line subway project, provided insights after visiting the demolition site. He reported that since the morning, officials have relocated 29 cars and 62 motorcycles from the vicinity.
The current phase involves using a chain saw to cut off the building's right corner, as these sections contribute to the overall weight. Coolant is applied during the cutting to reduce heat and prevent the chain from breaking, thus minimizing building vibration. Once the foundation is cut, the building will be dismantled from the top, starting with decorative elements like walls, ceilings, and floors, leaving only the structural framework. A crane will then remove the dismantled pieces to prevent the building from tilting and collapsing.
Mr. Tinnakorn confirmed that damage is confined to the police station building, while the police housing building remains unaffected. This is attributed to the numerous strong piles behind the station building, which shielded the adjacent structure from damage.
Currently, no workers are willing to operate in the sinkhole due to fears of the police station collapsing. Therefore, the primary focus is on reducing the building's weight to ensure safety. If the building collapses into the sinkhole, it could cause significant damage, potentially impacting the subway tunnel, even if sand is used to fill the hole.
Filling the hole with soil can proceed simultaneously without waiting for the building's complete demolition. Despite heavy rainfall throughout the day, the demolition process remains unaffected, thanks to the use of machinery. Slope measurement equipment continues to monitor the building's angle for ongoing safety.
Vajira Hospital remains operational, with officials consistently assessing the situation. Traffic management is receiving strong cooperation from police and the public, with no issues or complaints reported. While a specific date for the road's reopening has yet to be established, officials are working to expedite the process.