A Bangkok resident has vacated her rented room near a construction site for the city’s Purple Line South extension after a significant tunnel crack and subsequent water leak caused safety concerns. The tenant, Ornicha Damee, stated she has no intention of returning to the property, even after repairs are completed, prioritizing her personal safety above all else.
Tunnel Incident and Evacuation Order
The incident occurred on July 8, involving a water leak within the Purple Line South extension tunnel, situated between the Tao Poon and Ratburana sections, in proximity to the Wongwian Yai station. This section of the subway is under construction by Unique Engineering and Construction PCL. Following the discovery of cracks in the tunnel structure, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) took immediate action. Officials ordered the evacuation of all residents living within a 30-meter radius of the affected construction site. Furthermore, the BMA imposed a ban on the use of nearby buildings to ensure public safety and prevent potential accidents.
Tenant’s Decision to Relocate
Ornicha Damee, who was renting a room in a building close to the construction zone, revealed on July 11 that she had decided to move out promptly upon learning the severity of the situation. She recounted being in her room when the leak occurred but remained unaware of the incident until the following day, when she encountered news reports detailing the event. As she lives alone and without immediate family nearby, the news caused her considerable distress and panic.
Concerns Over Building Integrity
While Ornicha’s own rented room, located on the third floor, did not exhibit any visible cracks, she was informed by dorm staff that cracks had appeared on lower levels of the building. These cracks, she was told, were a result of ground movement attributed to the ongoing construction activities. This information, coupled with the proximity of her room to the leak’s origin point, fueled her growing anxiety about the structural integrity and overall safety of the building. She expressed fears that any further ground subsidence could potentially compromise the entire structure.
Pre-existing Unease and Future Plans
Ornicha also disclosed that construction work had been a constant presence throughout her tenancy, contributing to a baseline level of unease even before the tunnel crack and leak incident. The combination of persistent construction noise and vibrations, followed by the alarming news of structural damage, solidified her decision to seek alternative accommodation. She has since secured a new place to live and firmly stated her resolve not to return to her former room, irrespective of whether the tunnel repairs are successfully completed and the site is officially declared safe. Her paramount concern remains her personal safety, and she is unwilling to risk experiencing another such incident.
Broader Implications and Safety Measures
The incident involving the Purple Line tunnel crack highlights the significant safety challenges that can arise during large-scale urban infrastructure projects. The BMA’s swift response in ordering evacuations and banning the use of potentially unsafe buildings demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing resident safety. Such measures are crucial in mitigating risks associated with ground movement, structural damage, and potential collapses, especially in densely populated urban environments like Bangkok. The ongoing investigation into the cause of the crack and leak will be critical in preventing future occurrences and ensuring the long-term stability of the Purple Line extension project.
The case of Ornicha Damee underscores the human impact of such construction-related issues. While infrastructure development is vital for a city’s growth, the well-being of residents living in close proximity to these projects must be a primary consideration. Clear communication, robust safety protocols, and adequate compensation or support for displaced residents are essential components of responsible urban development. The decision by Unique Engineering and Construction PCL, the project’s contractor, to address the structural issues and implement necessary repairs will be closely monitored by authorities and the public alike.
As the Purple Line South extension project progresses, ensuring the structural integrity of tunnels and surrounding areas remains paramount. The BMA and the project developers face the task of restoring public confidence and demonstrating that safety measures are effective. For residents like Ornicha, the assurance of safety is not just a matter of policy but a fundamental requirement for peace of mind.
