Purple Line Metro Tunnel Leak Improving, Government Pledges Full Compensation
Water infiltration at Bangkok's Purple Line metro tunnel construction site between Tao Poon and Ratchadamri is improving after soil strengthening work, with the government pledging full compensation for affected residents.
The Ministry of Transport is expediting measures to fix water infiltration into the Purple Line electric train tunnel construction site between Tao Poon and Ratchadamri (on the Kanchanaphisek Ring Road), near the Grand Roundabout intersection. Deputy Government Spokesman Lalida Periwivattana announced on July 12 that the ministry is strengthening soil to reduce groundwater seepage while closely monitoring impacts on buildings and caring for affected residents.
Transport Minister Siripong Angskulgiat is overseeing the situation and directing the Mass Transit Authority of Thailand (MRT) to accelerate repairs. Contractors have recently completed relocating an overpass at the incident site and completed soil improvement grouting at one of five planned locations, with work continuing on the remaining four. The latest monitoring shows water flow into the tunnel has decreased, allowing pump operations to be reduced. Building movement and road subsidence measurements taken every 30 minutes within a 30-meter radius now show declining trends, indicating repair measures are taking effect.
To assist affected residents, the MRT and contractors have established a complaint center near the Monument to King Taksin the Great. So far, 105 people have sought assistance, with 32 more residents still being contacted. Affected residents can call 08-4356-5211 or visit the complaint center directly. The government pledges close monitoring and full compensation for affected residents while implementing engineering solutions to resolve the situation safely and quickly.