Ban Wang Charoen to be declared disaster area after 7 sinkholes

Khaosod•Society•18d ago

Reader Briefing

Khon Kaen province is preparing to declare Ban Wang Charoen a disaster area following the appearance of seven sinkholes.

•Seven sinkholes with average depths of 4-5 meters appeared at Ban Wang Charoen, Huai Muang Subdistrict, Phu Pha Man District, Khon Kaen Province.
•Geologists attribute the sinkholes to tectonic plate collisions causing cracks in ancient rock layers.
•Governor Khajonkiat Rakphanichmanee is preparing to officially declare the area a disaster zone.

•On August 5, 2026, geologists and local officials inspected seven sinkholes at Ban Wang Charoen, Village No. 2, Huai Muang Subdistrict, Phu Pha Man District, Khon Kaen Province.
•The seven sinkholes in the area have an average depth of 4-5 meters.
•Onuma Summat stated that the sinkholes were caused by the collision of tectonic plates, which created additional cracks in rock layers millions of years old.
•Onuma Summat noted that air bubbles rising from the ground are a sign that a sinkhole may occur.
•Local resident Ranong Khephuang expressed concern over potential danger and suggested that nearby stone quarry concessions might be a possible cause.
•Geologists found that the area consists of limestone more than 200 years old and is a site of recurring sinkholes.
•Governor Khajonkiat Rakphanichmanee is preparing to declare Ban Wang Charoen a disaster area due to the sinkholes and additional risk points.
•The Phu Pha Man District administration will report the survey findings to the province to declare the disaster area, cordon off dangerous zones, and find legal remedies for residents.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Ban Wang Charoen(บ้านวังเจริญ)

A village in Huai Muang Subdistrict where seven sinkholes occurred.

Huai Muang Subdistrict(ต.ห้วยม่วง)

The subdistrict where Ban Wang Charoen is located.

Phu Pha Man District(อ.ภูผาม่าน)ℹ️

The district in Khon Kaen Province where the sinkholes appeared.

Khon Kaen Province(จ.ขอนแก่น)ℹ️

The province where the sinkholes occurred.

Regional Geological Resources Office 2 Khon Kaen(สำนักงานทรัพยากรธรณีเขต 2 ขอนแก่น)

The agency whose geologists inspected the sinkholes in Phu Pha Man District.

Huai Muang Subdistrict Administrative Organization(องค์การบริหารส่วนตำบลห้วยม่วง)

The local administrative body involved in inspecting the sinkholes.

Onuma Summat(นางอรอุมา สุ่มมาตย์)

Director of the Regional Geological Resources Office who explained the causes of the sinkholes.

Ranong Khephuang(นางระนอง เขพวง)

A resident of Na Charoen, Village No. 2, who expressed concern about the sinkholes.

Khajonkiat Rakphanichmanee(นายขจรเกียรติ รักพาณิชมณี)

The Governor of Khon Kaen Province who is preparing to declare the area a disaster zone.