TITLE:
Bangkok’s Iconic Police Station Faces Demolition After Sinkhole Disaster
SUBHEADING:
Attempts to save the Samsen Police Station fail as the building tilts dangerously—demolition now the only option.
TEASER:
Bangkok reels as the famous Samsen Police Station must be torn down after a giant sinkhole—what happens next?
Bangkok’s Samsen Police Station Sinks Beyond Rescue
Bangkok is in shock as the beloved Samsen Police Station on Samsen Road faces total demolition. The reason? A massive sinkhole has left the building sinking and tilting at a terrifying angle.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirms the worst: “All attempts to stabilise the structure have failed.” The police station continues to subside, and the danger grows by the day.
Failed Rescue Efforts Leave No Hope
Engineers tried everything to save the iconic police station. But the support pillars only reached 7-8 metres into the ground—far short of the planned 23 metres.
The result is clear. The building keeps sinking, new cracks appear, and landslides threaten the area. “We warned that further repairs could trigger a total collapse,” say experts. The only safe solution now is a complete demolition.
One pillar, the crucial fifth column, is irreparably damaged. Landslides have destroyed its strength, making the risk of collapse too high to ignore.
40 Million Baht Price Tag for a New Start
Rebuilding won’t come cheap. The project will cost more than 40 million Baht, with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and construction firms footing the bill.
Demolition starts on the right side of the building. This careful approach aims to reduce the weight step by step and avoid disaster.
There’s a glimmer of relief for neighbours. Police housing and the Vachira Hospital are under constant watch but remain safe for now. Still, the whole area is on high alert.
Samsen Road Closure Sparks Citywide Chaos
The chaos doesn’t end with the police station. Samsen Road, one of Bangkok’s busiest arteries, was set to reopen on October 9. Now, the closure is indefinite.
Locals and commuters face huge detours and daily traffic nightmares. Authorities scramble to find alternative routes, but options are limited and frustration is mounting.
Demolition Begins—A New Era for the Police
Demolition work starts immediately to prevent a sudden collapse. Specialised construction teams are already on site, taking every precaution.
For police officers, a tough transition lies ahead. Emergency containers and temporary locations will keep operations running. But one thing is certain—Bangkok’s old Samsen Police Station is gone for good.
