Bangkok Road Repair on Schedule

BANGKOK, Sept 30 (TNA) - Repair work on the large sinkhole on Samsen Road is progressing as planned, with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) aiming to reopen the road to traffic by October 8, 2025.

Contractors yesterday finished clearing debris, including utility poles and pipes, from the site. Today, crews began filling the cavity, a process that will use approximately 1,200 cubic meters of construction sand. The decision to use construction sand, instead of a sand-cement mix, was made after consultation with the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT). Officials warned that the filling operation, which requires about 120 truckloads of sand, will cause traffic disruption and urged the public to avoid the Samsen Road area today.

In addition to the filling, workers are reinforcing the underlying metro tunnel by stabilizing the earth walls with sandbags and compacted sand. To manage expected heavy rain, officials have installed water pumps, including a large one capable of moving 0.25 cubic meters per second. The MRTA expressed confidence that sealing the tunnel cracks will prevent water from washing more soil away. The safety of the adjacent Samsen Police Station is also being monitored closely.

Nearby, Vajira Hospital is preparing for its busiest day tomorrow, October 1, which is expected to see up to 5,000 patients due to rescheduled appointments.

The hospital has set up three shuttle routes and strongly urged patients to use public transport to prevent severe congestion. -819 (TNA)