Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

A worker died after a sudden soil collapse sent tonnes of earth plunging into a four-metre-deep drainage trench at the Pa Daeng intersection, in front of Ram–Phayao Hospital in Phayao province, on 5 December 2025. Emergency services from Phayao City Police Station, the Phayao Disaster Response Rescue Unit, Ruam Kuson Songkroh Phayao, Khun Lan Rescue and the EMS team from Phayao Ram Hospital were dispatched immediately. Responders secured the area and worked cautiously to retrieve the victim’s body from beneath the fallen earth.

 

The incident occurred at a large excavation site for drainage pipe installation, where workers had been preparing the pit shortly before the collapse. Witnesses reported that the victim had entered the trench only minutes earlier when the soil around the rim suddenly gave way without warning. The rapid subsidence caused an immediate flow of soil into the trench, leaving the worker unable to escape.

 

Authorities noted that the surrounding soil embankment had appeared stable before the collapse, but the sudden failure suggested possible structural weakness or ground instability. The depth of the pit and the volume of loose earth likely contributed to the severity of the incident. Rescue officials closed off the site to prevent further collapse while operations continued.

 

Witness statements indicated that there were no signs of danger before the trench walls failed and the collapse occurred too quickly for the worker to react. The immediate impact on nearby traffic and hospital access was minimal due to rapid response and containment measures. However, concerns were raised about safety protocols and soil-retention measures at the construction site.

 

Officials from Phayao City Police Station confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the precise cause of the collapse. Relevant agencies will assess soil conditions, construction practices and compliance with safety standards at the project site. Authorities also plan to coordinate with local engineering teams to evaluate the stability of the entire construction zone.

 

Naewna reported that further inspections will guide any necessary adjustments to ongoing works to ensure worker safety. The area will remain restricted until officials confirm that no additional risks remain. Findings from the investigation will be used to inform preventative measures for similar infrastructure projects in the province.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A worker died instantly when soil collapsed into a four-metre-deep drainage trench in Phayao on 5 December 2025.

• Authorities are investigating soil stability and safety procedures after the sudden subsidence.

• The construction area remains sealed off while engineers assess further risks.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-12-06

 

 

"Concerns were raised about safety protocols and soil-retention measures at the construction site."   this is Thailand safety     CONCERNS !!!    no actions, No enforcement of safety Protocols, No training, !!!  Thailand should be ashamed of its Safety records