Bangkok: The Ministry of Transport has confirmed that there will be no further collapse of the building affected by the leak in the subway tunnel. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, has reported improvements in the situation, with the subsidence of the road decreasing by a total of 28 centimeters since the previous day. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is coordinating with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) for the demolition of a pedestrian overpass to facilitate repairs.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong noted that the subsidence is no longer continuous, suggesting that preventive measures are taking effect. Additional machinery has been deployed to expedite the filling of soil voids. The MRTA is working closely with the BMA to remove the pedestrian overpass at the affected site to aid in repair efforts.
Mr. Siripong also confirmed that there has been no further tilting of the building at risk. Monitoring by a Filipino surveyor indicates an improving trend with no additional tilting observed. While the exact cause of the incident is still under investigation, engineering guidelines are in place to manage the situation. The MRTA detected the leak and has been actively working to resolve the issue.
Efforts are underway to maintain a pressure balance within the tunnel, which is crucial for the repair process. The standard engineering procedure for addressing such leaks is expected to take 7 to 12 days. The contractor is responsible for the safety and compensation of those affected, and the Ministry of Transport is closely monitoring the situation, prioritizing public safety.
Kajphan Udomthamphakdi, Governor of the MRTA, revealed ongoing efforts to manage water and sand seepage effectively. The reduction of water is key to stabilizing the ground and road surfaces. Despite challenges posed by high water pressure, efforts continue to maintain tunnel integrity. The Prime Minister is expected to visit the site for further inspection.