Bangkok: Seven days after a sinkhole emerged in front of Vajira Hospital, efforts to address the issue continue as traffic congestion intensifies. It is anticipated that over 5,000 patients will seek medical attention today. The process of filling the sinkhole with sand is expected to take 4-5 days before asphalt can be poured to restore the road.
According to Thai News Agency, the situation at Vajira Hospital has been challenging, particularly during nighttime hours. Patients have been arriving as early as 1:00 a.m. to avoid worsening traffic conditions. Despite hospital preparations, concerns about congestion remain as the patient influx peaks.
Efforts to repair the sinkhole have been ongoing, with officials using a backhoe to fill an estimated 2,000 cubic meters of sand per day. The operation, which includes pouring asphalt to level the road surface once the sand filling is complete, has not been significantly hampered by light rain. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt indicated that while the first phase of the project is complete, adjustments may be made if necessary.
Beneath the Samsen Police Station building, preventative measures are in place to avoid further subsidence, involving continuous soil spraying. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has coordinated these efforts, which align with their pre-established plan.
An estimated 200 sand trucks are expected to arrive throughout the day to ensure the timely progress of the sand-filling operation. Officials urge those not involved in the area to avoid traveling in the vicinity to help alleviate traffic congestion.