Authorities are investigating whether vibrations from the Skytrain contributed to the collapse of part of a century-old building on Charoen Krung Road in Bangkok, after a concrete awning fell from the second floor of a shophouse and killed one person.
The collapse occurred on June 20, prompting officials to declare all five adjoining old shophouses off-limits while a detailed structural inspection is carried out. Mr. Thanadech Chankaew, Samphanthawong district chief, confirmed that the only injured person, Mr. Prawit Tulaphan, 67, was taken to Samitivej Chinatown Hospital but had died from his injuries. No other casualties were reported.
Following the collapse, the Samphanthawong district office established a disaster relief centre and issued a temporary order prohibiting the use of all five units. Officials from the Public Works and Building Control departments, together with the Engineering Institute of Thailand, have begun assessing the buildings’ structural stability and safety.
Picture courtesy of TNR
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority cut power to the area to ensure safety during the removal of the collapsed awning and large concrete debris. The Public Works department supplied a six-wheel truck and concrete-cutting equipment, while the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation department deployed rescue vehicles, personnel and lighting systems to support overnight operations alongside volunteers from Poh Teck Tung Foundation and other agencies.
Initial investigations found that the affected building is more than 100 years old and stands on land owned by Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan temple. According to Thanadech, the structure was built without piling, a common construction method of the period, relying instead on its walls for support. Many neighbouring buildings share similar construction characteristics.
Residents reported frequent vibrations because of the nearby elevated train line. However, Thanadech stressed that it is not yet possible to determine whether those vibrations contributed to the collapse. Engineers will conduct a detailed investigation before reaching any conclusions. ThaiNewsroom reported that authorities are also expanding inspections to nearby buildings of similar design to reduce the risk of a similar incident.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thai newsroom 21 June 2026
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