CHACHOENGSAO — 3 May 2026, A house and motorcycle repair shop collapsed into the Bang Pakong River after a riverside embankment gave way near a temple, with the dramatic incident captured on video by local residents.
The collapse occurred at about 15:20 on 3 May in front of Wat Saichon Na Rangsi (Wat Laem Bon) in Ban Mai subdistrict, Muang district, rescue officials said.
Rescue workers arriving at the scene found the property, registered as house No. 41 Moo 2, belonging to 63-year-old Witoon Luechaithirakul, had fallen into the river. The owner stood nearby as neighbours tried to salvage valuables from the home and adjacent motorcycle repair shop before the collapse.
Witoon said no one was inside the buildings at the time. He reported hearing loud cracking sounds from the concrete before seeing the ground split apart. He attempted to retrieve belongings but the collapse happened too quickly.
The concrete embankment in front of the temple then gave way, sending a section more than 30 metres long into the river.
Witoon believes heavy rainfall in recent days may have weakened the soil beneath the structure, causing it to subside.
Phra Maha Winai Kittipanyo, the temple’s abbot, said the embankment had stood for many years without issue. However, the concrete area where the collapse occurred had been built over previously filled land along the riverbank, which may have become unstable.
He said the ground may have shifted and pushed against the ageing embankment, leading to the collapse. The full extent of the damage has yet to be assessed.
Officials warned further subsidence is possible, particularly as river levels rise. Authorities are coordinating with local agencies to inspect the site and secure the area to prevent further danger.
