Bangkok: The subway tunnel leak has stopped and there is no further subsidence. Traffic will reopen to the inbound lanes on July 19th. Three lanes on the inbound side of the Wongwian Yai roundabout will open to traffic on July 19. Governor Chatchart reiterated that efforts to resolve the water leakage into the tunnel are proceeding, with safety being the top priority.
According to Thai News Agency, Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt, along with Deputy Governor Wisanu Trapsompol, inspected the situation regarding water leakage into the subway tunnel at Wongwian Yai and held a meeting with the Mass Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), the contractor, engineering departments, and other relevant agencies to follow up on the progress of the problem resolution. He emphasized that all agencies must expedite the process, prioritizing public safety.
The progress report indicates that the situation is now stabilizing. Approximately 1,000 cubic meters of water have been added to the tunnel to balance the pressure with the groundwater. This has prevented further leakage and eliminates the need for further pumping, allowing for better control of the situation.
Regarding site reinforcement, over 1,165 cubic meters of chemical grout have been injected through five grout heads at depths ranging from approximately 37 meters to 3 meters underground. This creates a strong earthen wall around the tunnel, reducing water backflow and increasing soil stability. Measurements over the past two days show no further subsidence, while the road surface has begun to recover slightly. Monitoring within a 30-meter radius of the incident site has also revealed no further abnormalities.
For traffic management, Bangkok will open three lanes of traffic on the inbound side, heading towards Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge and Phra Pokklao Bridge, starting Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 6:00 AM for traffic testing. Meanwhile, the outbound side from Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge towards Wongwian Yai will remain closed due to the need for equipment installation and ongoing grouting operations. The public is advised to use alternative routes. Vehicles coming from Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge and Phra Pokklao Bridge should turn left at Ban Khaek intersection onto Isaraphab Road.
Mr. Chatchart stated that the reopening of traffic was in accordance with the assessment by the engineering team, who deemed the situation more stable. However, Bangkok remains committed to the principle of "safety first." If any abnormalities are detected during monitoring, the operational plan will be adjusted immediately. The entire area will not be reopened until it is certain that it is completely safe. The Governor of Bangkok also instructed contractors to install additional monitoring equipment, report results daily, and inspect surrounding buildings every two hours to continuously assess safety. Furthermore, on Tuesday, July 21st and Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026, representatives from the Department of Public Works and Town Planning, the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT), and other relevant agencies will be invited to inspect the affected apartment buildings to assess safety before considering allowing residents to return.
The governor also instructed police officers and contractors to facilitate traffic flow in Soi Lad Ya 1, a crucial shortcut, prohibiting parking that obstructs traffic, in order to improve traffic management efficiency. He also coordinated with the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority to closely monitor water pressure and immediately shut off the water supply in case of any pipe bursts or leaks to prevent damage to the soil stability. Regarding public assistance, approximately 128 rooms in buildings in the high-risk area have already been evacuated. Most are staying with relatives or in hotels. One room remains unreachable, and another room occupants have declined to evacuate. Meanwhile, 61 business owners and vendors in the surrounding area have registered their hardship, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will expedite assistance with housing in the short term. Long-term relief plans will be discussed with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and the contractors.
Relevant agencies estimate that initial repairs and monitoring of the area may take approximately six months to ensure that the problem of water leakage into the tunnel is completely resolved. Bangkok will closely monitor the situation and take all steps with public safety as the top priority.