Yesterday, Bangkok woke up to a traffic nightmare after a massive sinkhole opened up on Samsen Road. Measuring around 30 by 30 metres wide and 50 metres deep, the collapse stretched from Vajira Hospital’s entrance towards Sam Sen Police Station, forcing road closures and throwing the area into gridlock.
To keep people moving, the Marine Department has stepped in with a temporary river fix. Its patrol boat, is now ferrying passengers free of charge between Thewet Pier and Kiak Kai Pier. As of 25 September, the service runs daily from 12.30pm to 6pm and will continue until the situation is under control.
Adding another lifeline, Thai Smile Boat, an electric ferry operator, is introducing a special stop at Navamind Pier, located behind Vajira Hospital, connecting directly with the Purple Line route between Sathorn and Phra Nang Klao Bridge. Electric boats will run every 15 minutes between 6am and 5pm, especially during peak hours, offering commuters an alternative way into Phra Nakhon and nearby districts.
Bangkok’s buses are also getting a reroute makeover. To dodge the gaping hole on Samsen Road, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) has temporarily adjusted its routes around Vajira Hospital. It’s all about keeping rides safe and smooth for passengers. The department and the BMTA will coordinate to provide connecting buses, to make transfer easier for passengers.
Here’s a heads-up for your travels in the affected area. The following BMTA bus routes are being rerouted due to the Samsen Road sinkhole:
Route 3 (2-37): Mo Chit 2 – Krung Thon Buri BTS Station
Route 49 (2-43): Mo Chit 2 – Hua Lamphong
Route 32 (2-5): Pak Kret Pier – Wat Pho
Route 2-2: Pak Kret Pier – Si Phraya Pier
Route 66 (2-12): Government Complex Chaeng Watthana – Southern Bus Terminal
