Building Tilt Stable, Officials Say, As Purple Line Tunnel Leaks
Water leaking into the Bangkok Purple Line extension tunnel near Wangwian prompted evacuation concerns, though officials say a tilting commercial building has stabilized at a 79-80 degree angle with continued monitoring underway.
Water leaking into the Purple Line extension tunnel between Tao Pun and Ratburi stations near Wangwian intersection prompted authorities to evacuate people from the risk area and investigate the cause. At 9:15 p.m. on July 9, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Director Theeraphatt Kachamat addressed the situation, noting that while the affected commercial building appears more settled to the naked eye, instrument measurements show the structure remains at a 79-80 degree tilt—the same deviation as earlier in the evening. However, cracks and fissures require continued monitoring by USAR THAILAND personnel working alongside structural engineering techniques. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation will support Bangkok authorities using digital tilt-measurement equipment that will alert officials immediately if further tilting occurs, allowing rapid response. The building is currently undergoing renovation and is unoccupied. Surrounding private businesses have been asked to operate cautiously and await formal evacuation orders from Bangkok authorities. Reporters note that no formal evacuation order has been issued yet—only a request for cooperation—though some residents have voluntarily left the area and are requesting that officials provide clear confirmation and a formal evacuation plan.
