On Thursday, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) held a joint press conference with CKST-PL Joint Venture—comprising CH. Karnchang Public Company Limited (SET: CK) with a 55% share and STECON Group Public Company Limited (SET: STECON) with 45%—following a significant road subsidence incident in front of Vajira Hospital, Dusit District, Bangkok.
The joint venture is responsible for the construction of tunnels and underground stations for Tao Poon–National Library section of the MRT Purple Line.
Inspection found a massive sinkhole, about 30 x 30 meters wide and 20 meters deep, adjacent to the under-construction Vajira Hospital station and the twin tunnel structure. Following the incident, large amounts of soil and water from damaged water pipes and drainage lines accumulated within the station structure and tunnel for about 50 meters.
To contain the situation, MRTA’s contractor sealed the northern D-Wall of the station with approximately 500 cubic meters of sandbags, followed by crushed stone and a 3-4 meter-thick concrete layer to block further soil ingress. Restoration efforts are split into two phases: Phase 1 targets road surface restoration within 14 days to ease traffic impact; Phase 2 involves repairs to affected surrounding structures, with the contractor responsible for compensation for impacted parties.
MRTA Governor Gardphajon Udomdhammabhakdi confirmed that all MRTA construction contracts require comprehensive contractor’s all risks insurance (CAR), and initial reviews indicate coverage should be adequate for the damages. The construction remains ahead of schedule, now 70% complete, and the overall project is 60% finished, with civil works expected to conclude by October 2027 and operations commencing late 2028.
For operations on the new southern section of the Purple Line, MRTA has decided to continue with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (SET: BEM)—the current northern section operator—under a public–private partnership (PPP) gross cost model. Approval awaits clarity on the government’s fare policy before submission to the Cabinet.
Jarunat Jiraratsatit, Executive Director of STECON, reaffirmed that all restorative efforts, including road and community well-being, would proceed rapidly. Insurance covers all engineering and third-party risks, including impacts on residents, lost income, temporary housing, and nearby facilities like Samsen Police Station and Vajira Hospital. Construction will run in parallel with repairs, maintaining the 2027 completion timeline.
