Bangkok Governor Monitors Purple Line Tunnel Water Leak
A water leak in Bangkok's Purple Line tunnel near Victory Monument prompted authorities to evacuate buildings within a 30-meter radius, with the governor confirming that ground subsidence has stabilized after emergency grouting reinforcemen
Governor Chatcai inspected the Purple Line tunnel water leak near Victory Monument after authorities ordered the evacuation of buildings within a 30-meter radius. Most residents have evacuated the area while officials maintain perimeter closures and continuous 24-hour monitoring of structural subsidence and building integrity.
The water leak incident along the Purple Line tunnel between Tao Pun and Ratchadamnoen stations (Purple Line South) near Victory Monument station occurred on July 9. Residents and business operators within the 30-meter radius were ordered to evacuate immediately for safety.
As of July 10, officials have sealed the area for public safety, including closing the overpass that operated the previous day due to its proximity to the incident site. A survey found that most residences and shops in the area have closed with no residents or operators remaining in buildings. Most residents have evacuated, though some remained inside structures. Officials continue monitoring building conditions, measuring subsidence levels, and detecting vibrations and building tilt around the clock using "ScopeEye" equipment installed by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) in coordination with USAR Thailand.
Traffic has been rerouted from the incident area with detours established at the Ban Khek intersection, causing significant vehicle accumulation and traffic slowdown. Traffic around Victory Monument continues to flow, though with some delays managed by traffic police from Buppharam station.
A command center and complaint hotline have been established on the island at the center of Victory Monument near the Taksin the Great monument, staffed by relevant agencies including DDPM, municipal officials, and UNIQUE company.
Governor Chatcai Sittiphan, accompanied by Detchathorn Saengamnaj (Thonburi district manager) and Deputy Colonel Phuwadol Oomphot (Buppharam police chief), visited the site to assess the situation. He consulted with relevant agencies about current conditions, traffic impacts from the road closure, and addressed local residents with apologies for their inconvenience.
Governor Chatcai reported that ground subsidence near the Purple Line tunnel has stabilized, with subsidence nearly halted and no new structural cracks observed. He acknowledged that monitoring equipment still shows minor subsidence but within manageable levels. He urged residents to avoid the incident area due to the traffic closure.
Based on observations of the external area, particularly the central pillars of the overpass, subsidence has nearly stopped with no alarming signs compared to the previous day. However, residents must remain evacuated for safety precautions.
Today will include another progress assessment after contractors completed extensive grouting to reinforce the underlying soil layers. Preliminary assessment indicates the subsidence situation is under control.
