BANGKOK — 9 July 2026, Authorities have closed all traffic lanes between Ban Khaek Intersection and Wongwian Yai after water leaked into a construction shaft of the southern Purple Line MRT project, as engineers work to pump out water and repair the damaged section.

The closure follows an incident in which groundwater seeped into a sump pit beneath the underground railway construction site at Wongwian Yai. On the night of 8 July 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the site to monitor the situation, saying the accumulated water remained under control while instructing relevant agencies to resolve the problem quickly to ensure public safety.

When reporters visited the site on the morning of 9 July 2026, engineers and officials from the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) were continuing to monitor conditions.

MRTA Chairman Montri Dechasakulsom said preliminary assessments indicate the leak originated from a defect in the project's sump pit, where groundwater is collected before being pumped out. He said engineers immediately began sealing the leak while continuously pumping water to prevent additional inflow.

According to the MRTA, groundwater entered the construction site at a rate of about 70 cubic metres per hour overnight. By the morning, the inflow had fallen to approximately 50 cubic metres per hour, indicating that the situation was improving.

Montri stressed that the incident is unrelated to a previous groundwater leak reported at another construction site in Samsen, describing the latest case as a construction defect. The contractor has been instructed to complete repairs as quickly as possible.

To reduce groundwater pressure, the MRTA has ordered additional dewatering measures, including drilling 50-metre-deep wells to draw groundwater away from the site. Grouting work to seal the leak has already been completed, while construction of an underground curtain wall is underway to prevent further seepage and minimise impacts on surrounding properties.

Officals said inspections have found no additional ground subsidence, structural tilting or new cracks. A nearby pedestrian bridge remains structurally sound, while district engineers have been asked to inspect surrounding buildings to reassure residents.

Responding to reports of cracks in nearby buildings and roads, Montri said some cracks predated the incident. However, contractors have been instructed to conduct detailed inspections of every building in the affected area alongside district engineering officials.

The additional groundwater pumping system is expected to begin operating on 9 July 2026, with water extraction scheduled to start on 10 July 2026. Construction of the underground curtain wall is expected to be completed within about one week.

The southern Purple Line MRT project remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2027, officials said, adding that the situation remains under control and is being monitored around the clock.

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The Central Investigation Bureau has clarified details surrounding a viral video showing a figure dressed as a food delivery rider displaying a firearm while apprehending a suspect on Sukhumvit Soi 101/1 in Bangkok's Phra Khanong district. The incident sparked public concern after circulating on social media.

On July 9, the CIB revealed that the person in the video was an undercover police officer from the Central Investigation Bureau conducting a lawful arrest operation on July 6. The suspect was wanted under a Samut Prakan Provincial Court arrest warrant (No. 481/2569) issued on May 29 for the crime of entering false computer data that could damage the nation's economic security. Police tracked and apprehended the suspect, who arrived at the scene on a motorcycle, and transferred him to Khlong Dan police station for further legal proceedings.

The CIB confirmed that the video depicts legitimate police duty performed within the legal scope of authority, and the disguise was merely an investigative and apprehension technique.

Thailand's National Innovation Agency (NIA) is launching a national-level medical innovation platform through the Thailand Medical Innovation Hub – Tech Forum & Hackathon 2026, connecting four major medical innovation districts: Siriraj, Yothi, Suan Dok, and Kangsdal. NIA Director Dr. Krichpaka Bunyafueang announced the initiative on July 9, explaining that the hub aims to bridge knowledge, expertise, technology, and real healthcare challenges to advance medical, health, and wellness innovations toward practical application.

The event features two main components: a Tech Forum showcasing trends and opportunities in medical innovation from government, medical, academic, and business experts; and a Hackathon where participants develop solutions based on real healthcare system pain points while receiving guidance from multidisciplinary specialists. The program also includes grand pitching sessions, prototype demonstrations, and exhibitions for networking and collaboration.

Dr. Krichpaka emphasized that the initiative serves as a crucial mechanism to connect medical professionals, researchers, engineers, technology developers, entrepreneurs, and innovation partners across the country. By creating a collaborative space where diverse sectors can exchange knowledge and advance innovations into practical use within Thailand's healthcare system, the project aims to accelerate development of solutions addressing national health needs.

Scheduled events include: Siriraj Medical Innovation District (July 17–19, 2026), Yothi Medical Innovation District (August 4–5, 2026), and additional locations to follow.

The First Instance Body (FIB) committee, chaired by Kraweir Parisnanantakul and including committee members Dr. Achavit Jenglinjan, Theeraphat Wanichachiva, Itthichest Chokworsetsukul, and Chutavir Unpitipongsa, held a review meeting for Thai League 2 and Thai League 3 club licensing applications on July 9, 2025, at the Football Association of Thailand headquarters in Huamark.

The committee will only evaluate documents submitted within the following deadlines: 1. Sports and business categories: March 31, 2025 2. Personnel and legal categories: April 30, 2025 3. Infrastructure and financial categories: May 31, 2025

Clubs may submit corrections or additional documents only until June 26, 2025. Documents not submitted by these deadlines will not be considered.

Clubs that Failed Thai League 2 Licensing: Nara United failed to: – Amend documents for youth development programmes (S.01) and medical examination results for youth age 12 and above (S.03) – Submit evacuation plan documentation (I.03) – Submit corporate structure documentation (L.04) and professional athlete employment contracts (L.05) – Submit post-occurrence financial reports (F.07)

Clubs that Failed Thai League 3 Licensing: Nara United failed to: – Amend documents for youth development programmes (S.01) and medical examination results for youth age 12 and above (S.03) – Submit evacuation plan documentation (I.03) – Submit corporate structure documentation (L.04) and professional athlete employment contracts (L.05) – Submit youth coach documentation (P.11) and club licensing official certification (P.19)

Club licensing assessment comprises six criteria: 1. Sporting Criteria: youth development plans and player welfare 2. Infrastructure Criteria 3. Personnel and Administrative Criteria 4. Legal Criteria 5. Financial Criteria 6. Business Criteria

As a result, Nara United has been relegated to compete in the Thailand Semi-Pro League for the 2027 season.