Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul today endorsed the immediate demolition of the Samsen Police Station building, which was severely damaged by the sinkhole into which the adjacent road collapsed last month, citing serious structural risks.
The latest assessment has confirmed that the building is unsafe for use, with the number of broken foundation piles increasing from three to four, he said.
“From what I saw during my inspection at the site last night, the structure is clearly leaning off-center,” he told reporters.
The prime minister said contractors will be responsible for the demolition and reconstruction, adding that rebuilding is the fastest and safest option, as the current structure now lacks a strong foundation.
Meanwhile National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittiratt Phanphet said engineering experts agree that cracks and structural damage pose long-term dangers.
Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, also confirmed that the number of broken foundation piles had increased, reinforcing the urgent need for demolition.
Siam said that the nearby police residential flats, located behind the station, have not been found to be at risk.
When the sinkhole appeared on September 24, the ground beneath the police station building subsided, exposing foundation piles buried as deep as 25 meters.
Attempts to backfill the ground beneath the station with sand, to stabilise the structure, were unsuccessful.
On October 2, authorities added about 1,300 cubic meters of sand, bringing the total used to nearly 4,000 cubic meters. In addition, three temporary support piles were installed, while some of the original piles were removed.
