Bangkok: The Prime Minister swiftly responded to the collapse of Samsen Road by conducting an on-site inspection and initiating a comprehensive investigation into the incident's cause.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, ascended the Vajira Hospital building for an aerial survey of the scene, ensuring the situation was stable with no reported injuries, though there was significant property damage. The Samsen Police Station was notably affected, with several broken piles reported. The Prime Minister has tasked the Civil Engineering Department with assembling experts to determine the collapse's true cause while the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) committed to compensating for all damages.
The incident was first reported at 10:35 a.m. when Anutin Charnvirakul, also serving as the Minister of the Interior, arrived at the site on Samsen Road. He was joined by top officials, including Police General Kittirat Phanpetch and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, along with other key ministers and MPs from the Bhumjaithai Party. As the situation unfolded, the Prime Minister expressed that he had been briefed on the incident earlier in the day and promptly made his way to assess the damage.
During a high-level meeting held on the sixth floor of the Petcharat Building at Vajira Hospital, involving the Bangkok Governor and transport ministry executives, the Prime Minister was briefed on the soil slide that led to the road collapse. This slide occurred during the construction of the Purple Line subway project. Despite the lack of injuries or fatalities, the event caused considerable property damage. The Prime Minister assured that the hospital's south-facing building would likely not encounter further issues, although precautions are in place.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for technical analysis by the Bangkok Governor and MRTA officials, urging collaboration with relevant engineering bodies to determine the precise cause of the collapse. He highlighted the importance of promptly restoring the affected area and addressing compensation for damages. An investigation will determine whether natural or design factors contributed to the incident.
The Bangkok Governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, confirmed precautionary measures, including cutting off water and electricity and sealing the subway tunnel to prevent further landslides. The potential impact on nearby structures, especially shophouses within a 100-meter radius, remains a concern amidst ongoing heavy rain forecasts.
Kanpajon Udomthammaphakdi, the MRTA Governor, provided further details, stating that the collapse occurred on the Purple Line's underground segment near Vajira Hospital station. The MRTA, along with academics, is investigating the cause, which appears linked to groundwater movement affecting the tunnel and station walls. The MRTA has committed to resolving the issue and compensating for damages.
The Prime Minister and involved officials continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that all necessary resources are deployed to prevent further incidents and restore public safety.