Recurring Road Subsidence on Samsen Road Sparks Safety Concerns
Bangkok MP Passarin Ramwong has criticized construction safety standards following the fifth road collapse on Samsen Road in one year.
On November 9, 2026, a section of Samsen Road near the entrance of Soi 30 collapsed, marking the fifth such incident in a two-kilometer stretch between Vajira Hospital and Kiak Kai intersection within the past year. According to Khaosod Online, the site is adjacent to a Metropolitan Waterworks Authority construction pit linked to the Purple Line southern extension project. Passarin Ramwong, a Bangkok MP from the People's Party, highlighted the incident as evidence of systemic failures in underground construction safety standards. While no injuries or fatalities have been reported in these recurring collapses, the MP emphasized that the damage to vehicles, traffic disruptions, and the constant anxiety faced by commuters are unacceptable. Passarin criticized the lack of progress in implementing preventive measures, noting that promises made by government officials a year ago remain unfulfilled. For residents and travelers, this situation underscores ongoing risks when navigating this specific corridor. While the immediate site of the collapse is being addressed, the broader issue of long-term infrastructure stability and the effectiveness of current safety oversight remains a point of contention. Authorities have yet to provide a comprehensive plan to prevent future subsidence or to address the underlying causes related to the ongoing utility and transit construction projects in the area.
