Myanmar Worker Killed in Bangkok Underground Cable Trench Collapse

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

A Myanmar national was killed in the early hours of 5 February 2026 after a soil collapse at a construction site in Bangkok, where he was working inside a deep underground cable conduit. The incident occurred near Bang Na BTS station on Sukhumvit Road, causing the worker to be buried in mud and soil and pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency services later recovered the body as authorities began an investigation into the cause of the collapse.

Police from Bang Na station were alerted at around 2.45am and attended the site alongside Bang Na fire and rescue officers and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. The location was an active construction zone for an underground power cable project, involving a trench or shaft more than 10 metres deep. The deceased was identified as Mr Via Le, aged 35, a Myanmar national employed as a construction worker at the site.

According to initial statements from fellow workers, the road had been closed and concrete covers over two traffic lanes were removed prior to excavation. A backhoe was being used to dig the site when the victim entered the shaft to check soil conditions as part of the work process. While he was inside the pit, the surrounding soil suddenly collapsed and slid into the shaft, burying him before he could escape.

Rescue teams used hand held tools to reach the body and a basket stretcher to retrieve the body from the mud-filled trench. Officers from the forensic police division and a forensic pathologist from Police General Hospital examined the scene and the body to collect evidence. The area was secured to allow detailed documentation of the site conditions at the time of the incident.

The project is part of a wider underground power cable installation scheme, which involves deep excavation beneath public roads. Such projects require strict safety measures due to the risks associated with unstable soil and confined spaces. The incident has raised immediate concerns about on-site safety practices and supervision during overnight construction work.

Khoasod reported that investigators are now questioning the construction site supervisor and other workers who were present at the time of the collapse. Police said further inquiries will focus on working procedures, equipment use and whether safety regulations were properly followed. The findings will be used to determine responsibility and any potential legal action.

Key Takeaways

• A Myanmar construction worker died after being buried by a soil collapse at a Bangkok worksite on 5 February 2026.

• The incident occurred in a trench more than 10 metres deep during underground cable installation near Bang Na BTS station.

• Police are investigating the site supervisor and workers to determine the cause and assess safety compliance.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-02-05