Written by Lisa Murimi
Thai authorities rushed to secure central Bangkok on Wednesday after a giant sinkhole opened near Vajira Hospital, cutting utilities and halting traffic.
The sinkhole, stretching 900 square metres and plunging 50 metres deep, appeared on Samsen Road, forcing the hospital to suspend admissions.
Shocking footage shared online showed the ground collapsing as water gushed from a burst drainage pipe, pulling down electricity poles.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the collapse was linked to soil sliding from underground train construction but assured the public that no casualties were reported.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said water and power lines were disrupted, while nearby areas, including a police station, were evacuated over safety concerns.
By midday, officials said ground movement had been halted and monitoring was underway to prevent further collapse.
