BANGKOK – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the immediate demolition of the Samsen Police Station, which sustained severe structural damage following last month’s sinkhole incident. The decision comes after a recent assessment revealed worsening safety risks, including an additional broken foundation pile.

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“From what I saw during my inspection at the site last night, the structure is clearly leaning off-center,” the Prime Minister told reporters. He emphasized that the building is no longer safe for use and confirmed that contractors would be responsible for both the demolition and reconstruction. Rebuilding, he noted, represents the fastest and safest solution given the compromised foundation.

Following the September 24 sinkhole on Samsen Road, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has approved the urgent demolition of the police station after additional foundation piles were found broken, prioritising safety. #Bangkok #sinkholehttps://t.co/Ta09cSp6hS

— Thenationthailand (@Thenationth) October 4, 2025

The directive follows unified concerns from senior police officials. National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittiratt Phanphet stated that engineering experts agree the cracks and structural damage pose significant long-term dangers. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom confirmed that the number of broken foundation piles had increased from three to four, reinforcing the urgency of demolition.

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The station was critically weakened when the ground beneath it subsided during the September 24 sinkhole on Samsen Road, exposing foundation piles buried as deep as 25 meters. Efforts to stabilize the structure by backfilling with nearly 4,000 cubic meters of sand and installing temporary support piles proved unsuccessful. Authorities confirmed that nearby police residential flats, located behind the station, have not been deemed at risk.

-Thailand News (TN)