Bangkok: Villagers residing near the Samsen Police Station have begun evacuating their homes following warnings of a potential landslide recurrence. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has designated the Suan Oi Recreation Center as a temporary refuge for those displaced.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Malaithong, also known as Aunt Daeng, shared her distress after an alarming noise, akin to a car explosion, prompted police to instruct residents to evacuate. The subsidence of the ground, a damaged power pole, and a cavity beneath the floor heightened the urgency. Ms. Malaithong expressed her anxiety about her living situation and the financial impact of having to discard ingredients purchased for a catering job she was forced to decline.
The BMA has set up a temporary shelter at the Suan Oi Recreation Center, located 200 meters from the affected area. Additionally, the MRTA has arranged accommodations at a 30-room hotel for impacted residents. Registration for these facilities requires a national ID card at the headquarters.
Dr. Ae Suchatvee Suwansawat, former president of the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT), provided insights into the cause of the collapse. He noted that soil is flowing into the subway tunnel, posing a threat to the stability of buildings above. Dr. Ae emphasized the importance of sealing the tunnel to prevent further soil movement and potential structural collapse.
Dr. Ae further warned of the need for immediate stabilization efforts at the temple to avert disaster. He urged residents to vacate the area and avoid entering dangerous zones. The outpatient facility at Vajira Hospital remains secure due to its deep foundation below tunnel level.
In response to the situation, the Dusit District Office has prohibited the use of buildings near the collapsed road, with legal consequences for violations. The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority is set to provide additional water trucks to supply drinking water to the affected community.