Category: The Bangkok Post

With millions of Thais suffering from or at risk of serious mental disorders, it is undeniable that mental health problems have become a crisis demanding urgent action.

Health promotion agencies and academic institutes have sounded the alarm for years about the rise in mental health problems among Thai people of all ages.

Despite these warnings, the issue has not gained the necessary traction among policymakers and the general public. The result is more people, particularly the young, are struggling with psychological distress and disorders.

Dr Thananan Numsang, from Phraram 9 Hospital, recently underscored the gravity of the issue. Citing the Department of Mental Health (DMH), the psychologist said mental health problems are increasing at an alarming rate.

DHM data shows that over 1.5 million Thais are suffering from depression, with significantly more having high-risk symptoms but remaining undiagnosed.

When accounting for high stress and suicide risk, the total number of people affected would comprise a substantial portion of the population. As mental health professionals indicate, the actual number is likely much higher, as it excludes those who are suffering in silence — who remain unaware of their condition or avoid seeking help due to social stigma.

This is not just a health concern; it is critical societal and economic ailment that the country can no longer afford to overlook.

According to the DMH, an average of four people attempted suicide every hour in 2024. Overall, more than 5,000 people committed suicide last year, a tragic rate of 7.89 per 100,000 people.

The highest number of deaths occurred among two groups: working adults aged 20-59, followed by seniors aged over 60.

Even more alarming is the data on youth: the suicide attempt rate among teens aged 15-19 reached 136.4 per 100,000 people — the highest of any age group in the country.

But what is truly devastating is the profound lack of accessible care. The number of psychologists — about 800 in the entire country, or a ratio of about 1.2 per 100,000 people — is woefully inadequate to care for the rapidly increasing number of patients.

At present, patients who have to rely on public hospitals could have to wait four to six months for service. The high cost and long duration of treatment are also a major deterrent.

A patient often requires regular visits over the course of nine months to a year, even up to five years in some cases. The total financial burden, which can range from to 5,000 baht to 50,000 baht a month, is unaffordable for many working-class Thais.

This financial and logistic wall explains why the DMH reported that for every 100 patients seeking help, only about 28 gain access to treatment. This means more than 70% of mental health patients are left in the dark, their conditions untreated and their risks unaddressed.

The situation is not unique to Thailand. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that over one billion people globally are living with mental health disorders, with conditions such as anxiety and depression inflicting immense human and economic tolls worldwide.

Suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people across all countries and socioeconomic backgrounds, and global progress in reducing this mortality has been too low, according to the WHO.

Psychologists attribute stress as the leading cause of mental problems. Over the past few years, the Covid-19 pandemic coupled with economic and social disruptions have intensified pressure on certain groups, including working adults, first-jobbers and entrepreneurs.

Dr Thananan said another worrying trend is burnout, which can grow silently and gradually develop into severe conditions similar to depression. Furthermore, heavy reliance on social media can cause feelings of inadequacy that manifest as afflictions like eating and relationship disorders, both increasingly prevalent among Gen Z.

Evidently, the crisis demands more than just awareness campaigns, or free online tests. It requires action to expand treatment access, increase the number of qualified mental health professionals, genuinely de-stigmatise mental problems — especially in the media — and implement preventive measures in every community.

It is true that mental health problems affect not just the patient, but everyone around them. Tackling them requires a collective and genuine effort, starting with a clear acceptance of the severity of the problems.

A comprehensive, well-funded and well-structured action plan is needed to stem the tide of suffering and safeguard people’s mental wellbeing.

Northern civil networks have called on Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to solve the longstanding Mekong basin pollution, putting forward a 10-point action plan.

The networks from Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai have submitted a letter to Mr Anutin, urging immediate action on transboundary pollution affecting the Kok, Sai, Ruak and Mekong Rivers.

The petition highlights concerns over illegal upstream mining in Myanmar and calls for a plan to monitor soil and rice crops across 100,000 rai of farmland potentially contaminated with heavy metals.

Rakdao Pritchard, coordinator of the network for river protection, said the letter was also addressed to Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture Minister Capt Thammanat Prompow and Deputy Prime Minister and Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin, as well as Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

The group cited pollution from rare earth and gold mining operations in Myanmar’s Shan State as the root cause of heavy metal contamination in tributaries of the upper Mekong. Demands in the 10-point proposal were outlined in the letter.

Alternative raw water sources must be secured for regional waterworks in Chiang Rai due to arsenic and barium traces in tap water.

New water sources must be provided for village water systems in Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai, and upgrade systems in at least 30 villages across affected districts. Soil quality must be tested in 12,000 rai of floodplain in Tha Ton, Mae Ai, and inspections of rice crops in 100,000 rai of irrigated farmland before harvest are also needed.

Provincial heavy metal testing centres are to be established in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai to monitor water, soil, crops, aquatic life and human exposure.

All mineral imports from Myanmar must be suspended until proven free of pollution-linked origins. Sediment trap dam projects must be cancelled due to a lack of scientific evidence and adverse impacts on farmland and ecosystems. A joint task force of government, academics and civilians must be formed to close illegal mines, monitor contamination, compensate affected communities, and restore river ecosystems.

Formal negotiations with Myanmar and China must be launched to demand accountability for cross-border mining pollution. Crisis communication systems must be improved to ensure inclusive access to information across ethnic and remote communities.

Power purchase agreements from the Pak Beng hydropower dam in Laos must be delayed until environmental impact studies confirm safety, especially regarding sedimentation risks in the Mekong reservoir.

Meanwhile, Mr Suchart announced plans to visit Khao Yai National Park on Oct 5-6, followed by a field inspection of the Kok River pollution crisis in Chiang Rai on Oct 9.

“I’m committed to addressing environmental issues that affect people’s lives from birth onwards,” Mr Suchart said.

Scott Vincent has finished first and joint second in his last two events on the Asian Tour and is in the hunt once again after taking a share of the third-round lead in the Jakarta International Championship yesterday.

The Zimbabwean, whose impressive season has seen him move into second place on both the Asian Tour Order of Merit and The International Series Rankings, shot a brilliant bogey-free eight-under-par 62.

He leads on 11-under with India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar and Australian Wade Ormsby at Damai Indah Golf — PIK Course.

Bhullar returned a 69 while Ormsby at 67. Ormsby looked set to finish the day with a one-shot lead but after finishing his round officials informed him he would receive a one-shot penalty because his ball moved when he addressed it on the fourth.

Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana (64) and Poom Saksansin (66) are next best placed one shot back.

This week’s US$2million event is part of The International Series — a set of upper-tier events on the Asian Tour that offer a pathway to the LIV Golf League.

Winning The International Rankings brings with it a place on the LIV Golf League. Vincent did just that in 2022, during the inaugural season on The International Series, and after another fine round yesterday is edging closer to a return to the multi-million dollar franchise.

“It was amazing, what a blessing,” said Vincent, who registered eight birdies yesterday, including three in a row from the first, and another hat-trick from the 12th.

Bhullar will attempt to win his sixth Asian Tour event in Indonesia today, and his 12th title in total.

A double-bogey six on the ninth knocked him off top spot but he got back into contention with back-to-back birdies on 12 and 13 and a bogey-free back nine.

Sadom, winner of the Kolon Korea Open in May, is one of those who will fancy his chances today. “I feel I played pretty solid,” he said. “I played in the morning, the second group, so it was lucky to play without wind. On the last four or five holes it was very windy, so I think it was going to be tough.

“My game is getting better than the first half of the year. I’m trying to practise harder and do everything harder, and it’s getting better.”

Fifteen months after a disputed decision, the Canadian-Italian star finds ‘killer instinct’ to outpoint Thailand’s pound-for-pound great and become undisputed strawweight kickboxing champion – and now wants his other belt

Fifteen months of frustration dissolved in a storm of gold confetti at Lumpinee Stadium.

Jonathan Di Bella fell to the canvas in the centre of the ring, the ONE Championship strawweight kickboxing belt clutched to his chest, tears in his eyes as announcer Dom Lau read out the unanimous decision.

His father and coach Angelo leapt into his arms. Commentator Mitch Chilson informed him he had earned his first US$50,000 performance bonus courtesy of Chatri Sityodtong – and the Di Bella family went wild.

‘It feels great, man,’ the 29-year-old told the Bangkok Post backstage. ‘Undisputed. It’s been 15 months. I had to fight two more times after that. I believe I never lost the first fight, and I just had to prove it a bit extra tonight. I’m happy Chatri realised that – thank you to ONE Championship and Chatri.’

The rematch had been brewing since June 2024, when Prajanchai PK Saenchai edged a disputed decision in Bangkok that left Di Bella’s camp seething. They felt the Thai had clinched and grabbed throughout, escaping punishment. This time referee Olivier Coste made sure it didn’t happen again, flashing a yellow card for repeated infractions – a move that cost Prajanchai a slice of his purse and, perhaps, his composure.

Visibly frustrated, the Thai star was outthought and outfought through the first three rounds. The fourth was his best, landing sharp counters, but all three judges saw it the same way: 49-46 for Di Bella.

‘I believe I won every round almost,’ Di Bella said. ‘The last two were closer, but I hurt him with the low kicks – he couldn’t walk after. I didn’t feel his shots much in the last round either. I caught him with a body shot early and saw his face change. I knew I had him.’

Even when tempers threatened to boil – after Prajanchai fired a couple of late shots following a clinch break – Di Bella stayed composed. ‘It’s in the heat of the moment,’ he shrugged. ‘I’m not going to complain. Olivier did a good job tonight. In the first fight things went unpunished, but he handled it well this time.’

The tension had simmered for more than a year. Di Bella had pleaded for an immediate rematch, but Prajanchai chose instead to defend his Muay Thai title in February 2025. While the Thai king returned to his preferred sport, Di Bella went to work: blasting Rui Botelho in December, then capturing the interim strawweight kickboxing crown in Tokyo at ONE 172 in March.

Prajanchai was cageside that night supporting teammate Tawanchai – and Di Bella called him out live on air. Still, nothing happened. When Prajanchai later stepped into the Lumpinee ring in June for a face-off with Aliff Sor Dechapan, Di Bella’s team felt snubbed. The Italian-Canadian’s patience was wearing thin.

Making matters worse, Prajanchai had echoed Chatri’s earlier critique that Di Bella lacked ‘killer instinct’ – words that stuck with him for months. ‘Killer instinct – we have it, baby,’ Di Bella laughed backstage after finally earning the bonus. ‘He’s hard to put away, but I’m happy to be one of the best strikers in the world.’

Before the fight, Chatri had said Prajanchai was set to defend his Muay Thai belt against Aliff at ONE 174 in December – a fight and event yet to be officially announced. But Prajanchai looked badly bruised after Saturday’s loss, posting photos of his swollen legs on social media the next day.

For all the bad blood, it ended in sportsmanship. Minutes after wrapping up with the Bangkok Post, Prajanchai – eyes red, voice cracking – approached Di Bella in the media room.

‘You’re very strong,’ he said softly, through a translator. ‘You’ve done a really good job. I’d like to congratulate you.’

Di Bella smiled, shook his hand. ‘You’re a legend. It was an honour to fight you – you’re one of the best. We’re both champions forever.’

They lifted the belt together for photos, then hugged, Di Bella ruffling Prajanchai’s hair as cameras clicked. Respect restored.

Later that night, Di Bella and his family celebrated Italian-style at Massilia restaurant in downtown Bangkok, finally at peace after a long road back.

If this was a message to doubters, it was loud and clear. ‘Every fight I’m getting better,’ he said. ‘My dad’s the master plan behind everything. I just had to catch him cleaner – last time it was a bit dirty, this time I caught him clean and it hurt him.’

He grinned when asked about what’s next. ‘I’m just getting started. I feel like I’m entering my prime now at 29. Maybe I’ll defend soon – I don’t want to wait another year and a half. Maybe a super fight at another weight. I’ve got Muay Thai skills nobody’s seen yet.’

Then came the challenge that made reporters sit up.

‘I’d like to fight Prajanchai again – but this time for his Muay Thai title,’ Di Bella said. ‘And in my part of the world. Let’s do it at Madison Square Garden. MSG, baby.’

After fifteen months of chasing justice, Jonathan Di Bella finally got his redemption – and the validation of a champion who refused to stay quiet.

‘I’m better at home,’ he admitted, still jet-lagged and bruised. ‘But everything happens for a reason. Tonight, we showed what we can do.’

From a disputed loss to undisputed gold, he found exactly what everyone had been asking for.

Typhoon Matmo has intensified over the upper South China Sea and is expected to make landfall in China’s Guangdong province on Sunday, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). While the storm will not enter Thailand, it is strengthening the southwest monsoon, bringing heavier rain and flash flood risks to northern, northeastern, eastern and southern regions through Oct 7.

At 4am Thai time on Sunday, the typhoon had maximum sustained winds near the centre of about 120 kilometres per hour and was moving west-northwest at a speed of roughly 25km/h.

Once Matmo makes landfall, it is expected to weaken rapidly as a high-pressure system from China pushes southward between Oct 6 and 7, the department said. The storm will not move into Thailand.

However, Matmo’s influence will strengthen the prevailing southwest monsoon over Thailand’s Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, bringing more widespread rain across the North and the Northeast, with heavy rainfall in some areas of the East and the western coast of the South from Oct 5 to 7.

Residents in at-risk areas – particularly near foothills, waterways, and low-lying zones – are advised to be on alert for flash floods, runoff, and overflowing rivers due to heavy and accumulated rainfall.

In the upper Andaman Sea, waves are expected to reach 1-2 metres in height and exceed 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms. The TMD urged small boats to navigate with caution and avoid sailing in stormy conditions.

The department advised the public to closely follow weather updates on its website (www.tmd.go.th) or through its 24-hour hotlines at 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182.

Important news from Blighty. Rice has been grown for the first time in Britain in the Fens of Cambridgeshire. Apparently this is a result of an unusually hot summer. For a project that had once been dismissed as a joke it’s quite an achievement. Let’s hope the notoriously fickle English weather doesn’t spoil it all. It will probably start snowing tomorrow.

Whatever the case I don’t think Thailand need worry just yet about Britain becoming a major competitor in the rice trade.

It got me thinking about when my western taste-buds were introduced to rice. I think the first rice dish I ever consumed must have been at primary school where rice pudding was a regular offering as the dessert for our daily school dinner. It was regarded as a healthy meal for pupils. Not everybody liked it, possibly because we had it too often and I remember some children refusing to eat it. Mind you that was at a time when it was fashionable for kids to hate school dinners.

Rice puddings have been around for a long time in Britain. In 1924 AA Milne of Winnie-the-Pooh fame even wrote a poem entitled Rice Pudding. Here is a brief excerpt: “What is the matter with Mary Jane? She’s crying with all her might and main. And she won’t eat her dinner. rice pudding again.”

It sounds like Mary Jane wasn’t too keen on school dinners either.

Home cooking

My mother was a great cook but we never had rice meals at home. So the first time I ate rice as part of a main meal was as a teenager in a Chinese restaurant in my home town of Reading. I became a huge fan of sweet and sour dishes usually consumed after a few pints with mates at a nearby pub.

Little did I know then that in a few years I would be eating rice virtually every day in a country known as the “Rice Bowl of Asia”. In fact for the first few weeks in Thailand I survived on fried rice (Khao-Pat) at Pratunam market for the grand sum of three baht a dish.

Pudding time

The aforementioned rice pudding was not the most unpopular dish at school dinners. That dubious honour went to tapioca pudding or “frogspawn” as it was known at our school. The negative view was partly due to the bland and stodgy taste. But what really put off the kids was the uncanny resemblance to the jelly-like spawn found in ponds before transforming into tadpoles.

According to the Guardian, tapioca pudding was once named in a poll as the most unpopular school dessert in Britain. In addition to :frogspawn: it was also called “fisheyes” and “eyeball pudding.” Then there was semolina pudding of which I don’t have fond memories.

Picking up steam

Last week marked the 200th anniversary of the historic train journey in northeastern England which paved the way for modern railway travel. A replica of the steam engine Locomotion No 1 recreated the original journey on the Stockton-Darlington railway all those years ago.

Watching the old steam engine chugging along stirred memories of one of my favourite films, The Titfield Thunderbolt made back in 1953. I’ve enjoyed railway steam engines from an early age, no doubt influenced by that film, starring Stanley Holloway. It is a classic comedy featuring a group of villagers battling to save their branch line.

The real star of the show is a lovely ancient tank engine which, among other things, has to overcome a nasty steamroller used by the bad guys to block the line. The engine used in the film, Lion, was built in 1838 and was 114 years old at the time of filming. The film is great fun and still extremely watchable despite its age.

Over the sea to Skye

All this talk about railways sparks fond memories of one particular train journey in Scotland I experienced In the early 1960s. I was with my parents and we travelled from Inverness to the Isle of Skye, via the Kyle of Lochalsh where we took a ferry to Kyleakin. In those days there was no bridge. My mother particularly enjoyed it as The Skye Boat Song was one of her favourite tunes.

That trip always reminds me of bagpipes, an instrument we often joked about at school. On the way to Skye, the train stopped off at a remote spot in the Highlands where we enjoyed some wonderful freshly baked scones and cream. During that break I took a brief stroll and came across a kilted gentleman, standing totally alone on the moor in a sea of purple heather, playing a plaintive tune on the pipes. It sounded quite beautiful and I was never rude about bagpipes again.

Sweeping up

Regarding last week’s item on early toothpaste commercials on UK television it seems the one readers remember most is: “You’ll wonder where the yellow went when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent.” I think it was the simple but catchy tune that makes it linger in the memory cells. While we are at it here’s another from those early days that may trigger a few memories among more ancient readers. I recall the commercial for Hoover vacuum cleaners which had people singing to an old army marching tune “It beats as it sweeps as it cleans.”

Influential political figure and Bhumjaithai’s de facto leader Newin Chidchob has voiced hope that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will continue leading the country for another four-year term following the next general election.

A vibrant and ceremonious atmosphere filled Chang Arena in Buri Ram’s Muang district on Saturday as Mr Newin, also executive chairman of Buriram United Football Club, hosted a lavish celebration for his 67th birthday.

The event drew a wide range of attendees, including senior figures from the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) and members of the governing coalition.

Mr Newin made a dramatic entrance at 9.29am, riding a motorcycle into the venue before paying respects to a statue of Lord Shiva at the entrance.

He was accompanied by his children — Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, along with Chidchanok, Chonchanok, and Chotchanok.

Adding to the significance of the occasion was the appearance of Saksayam Chidchob, former transport minister, and Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob, former education minister — both younger brothers of Mr Newin — who had kept a low public profile in recent months.

At 10.50am, Mr Anutin arrived from Bangkok. Upon greeting him, Mr Newin embraced the prime minister warmly before leading him into the traditional Pa Kam Chang elephant blessing ceremony, a long-standing ritual in the Chidchob family lineage.

Attendees symbolically offered bananas to the elephants in a gesture believed to bring prosperity and good fortune. The ceremony also included a wrist-tying blessing (bai sri su kwan) led by a senior ritual master.

After receiving his own blessing, Mr Newin invited Mr Anutin forward. As the ritual master tied the thread around the prime minister’s wrist, Mr Newin offered a personal blessing for him to serve a full four-year term — prompting both men to laugh and embrace.

As the ceremony unfolded, Mr Newin was seen holding Mr Anutin’s hand steady throughout the ritual, ensuring the thread was tied properly.

While the blessing was being performed, Mr Newin was heard saying: “Tie it so he becomes prime minister for four years, wins the election, and brings peace and stability to the country.”

In response, Mr Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, downplayed speculation about his political future.

“Let’s just focus on getting through these four months first,” he said.

When asked about the likelihood of securing a second full term, Mr Anutin replied: “I am doing my very best in the role I’ve been entrusted with during these four months. What happens after that will depend entirely on the outcome of the next election.”

Responding to Mr Newin’s blessing and his suggestion Bhumjaithai should aim to win the next poll, Mr Anutin said: “Every party should aim for the best possible result. You can’t expect to win an election by doing nothing. You have to work hard, deliver tangible results, and earn the people’s trust.”

On Mr Newin’s remark that “whatever you do, ensure the country remains peaceful”, the prime minister responded: “Those who truly wish each other well will naturally offer kind and gracious words.”

He also extended birthday wishes to Mr Newin, saying: “I wish him longevity and continued strength. He’s 67 now — may he have many more healthy and prosperous years ahead.”

Prominent members of the Bhumjaithai Party, including Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Sarum, and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, also attended the event.

The Department of Highways (DoH) plans to implement 10 urgent policies, costing 131 billion baht, focusing on safety improvement for both road users and construction workers.

Director-General Piyapong Jiwattanakulpasal said the Transport Ministry had assigned the DoH to improve construction safety by implementing technology to improve workflow quality.

In response, Mr Piyapong said the DoH’s safety improvement policies would focus on road construction, communication networks, and public safety regarding road usage.

They include a detailed analysis of construction methodology while swiftly addressing some riskier points in road networks.

The ministry also ordered the DoH to strategically manage its 131 billion baht allocated from the fiscal budget.

The budget was divided into four main missions, with most focused on the communication and logistics development, worth 121 billion baht, or 92.4% of the total budget.

The rest would be used in human resource management (3.7%), competitiveness development (1.1%), and a cooperation project with the Eastern Economic Corridor (2.8%).

He said the DoH had announced 10 urgent policies for the 2026 fiscal year. They included speeding up the M6 and M81 construction projects to meet deadline.

The DoH planned to urgently expedite its budget acquisition, especially for some bidding projects and spending at the start of the fiscal year, to help stimulate the economy, he said.

Its plan also covers the Nakhon Pathom-Pak Tho motorway project, approved earlier by the cabinet.

The DoH also planned to upgrade the M-Flow payment system for easier use and would implement a Job Safety Analysis system for construction projects, he said.

The First Army Region has sent a letter to the commander of Cambodia’s Military Region 5, requesting an evacuation plan for Cambodian civilians living in three border communities in Sa Kaeo province by Tuesday.

The areas listed are Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Khok Sung district and Ban Ta Phraya in Ta Phraya district. The letter was signed by Lt Gen Worayot Luengsuwan, commander of the First Army Region.

The First Army Region demands the evacuation plan be submitted by Oct 7 and be presented to a Regional Border Committee meeting on for Oct 10-12 in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province.

The meeting is being prepared by Cambodia’s Military Region 5.

Lt Gen Worayot, in the letter, said the First Army Region will attend the meeting only if Cambodia’s Military Region 5 accepts these conditions.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said the land near Ban Nong Chan, once the site of a camp for Cambodian refugees fleeing a civil war, belongs to the Royal Forest Department.

So, the department has been instructed to file criminal complaints against Cambodian encroachers to protect the state’s claim under the Forest Act, he said.

He said the forest land cannot be unlawfully occupied by anyone, regardless of nationality, and warned martial law is in effect, and the security forces are responsible for enforcing it. “We must absolutely take back our territory. We will not give in on this,” he said.

The demolition of the new Samsen police station started at the Bangkok’s sinkhole site on Samsen Road Saturday night, according to Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt.

The governor said at the site Sunday morning that robots were used to first remove windows and facades of the newly built police station which was subsiding. Vehicles were moved out of the station.

Officials at the site told him that the four-storey police station moved and cracks were heard Saturday night. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reported on its Facebook page that soil under the station slid as it rained and the station then subsided.

However, adjacent police flat buildings and commercial buildings remained stable, Mr Chadchart said.

In the meantime, the Bangkok governor said, sand was being dumped to fill the sinkhole.

Workers already dumped 3,800 cubic metres of sand into the sinkhole as of Saturday night and 1,200 cubic metres more of sand would be added Sunday morning, he said. He did not see a new crack in the sinkhole Sunday morning.

The governor also said that adjacent Vajira Hospital operated as usual on Sunday.

The sinkhole happened with the original dimension of 30 metres wide, 30m long and 20m deep in the morning of Sept 24 above an underground station under construction for the Purple Line extension route of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority. The state enterprise blamed the subsidence on soft soil in the local area.

Officials concernred decided on the police station demolition and thus the reopening of Samsen Road in Dusit district of Bangkok was postponed indefinitely.