Bangkok woke up today to scenes of chaos and disbelief. Moments after 6:45 p.m. local time, a section of road near the Phra Khanong ravine suddenly gave way — swallowing vehicles, debris, and several pedestrians into a massive hole that emergency officials later confirmed to be more than 30 meters wide and nearly 40 meters deep.

Among those reportedly seen at the scene moments before the collapse was Nadech Kugimiya, one of Thailand’s most beloved actors and public figures. Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moment the ground split open, followed by screams and panic as people ran for safety.

One street vendor, still trembling hours later, told reporters:

“I saw him. I recognized him because he smiled at the children nearby. Then everything shook. The ground just broke apart — and he disappeared.”

A Vanished Star

Within minutes, emergency crews arrived, deploying floodlights, cranes, and drones in a desperate search. The area has since been sealed off as a rescue operation continues through the night.

Family representatives have confirmed that Nadech was indeed in the area returning home from a private charity event in Sukhumvit. According to his manager, his phone signal went dead at 6:52 p.m., just seconds after the first tremor.

His longtime partner, actress Yaya Urassaya Sperbund, was reportedly on her way to meet him for dinner. In a brief, emotional message shared to social media, she wrote:

“Please, anyone who is there, help. I can’t breathe thinking about it. I just want him safe.”

The post quickly went viral, amassing over 5 million views in less than an hour and drawing an outpouring of prayers and messages of hope from fans across Thailand, the Philippines, and beyond.

Family’s Heartbreaking Statement

At around 8:30 p.m., Nadech’s family appeared before cameras outside the Bangkok Metropolitan Hospital. His mother, Supansa Kugimiya, visibly shaken and surrounded by relatives, broke down as she spoke:

“We are praying. We don’t know where he is, but we believe he is strong. Please pray with us.”

His father added only a few words before tears overtook him:

“He has always been our light. We will not stop until he comes home.”

Thai television channels interrupted regular programming to provide continuous updates. The nation that once celebrated Nadech’s charming roles in romantic dramas was now united in grief and uncertainty.

What Happened Under the Ravine

Officials from the Bangkok Disaster Response Unit have described the event as one of the worst ground collapses in the city’s recent history. Early assessments suggest that an underground drainage system, weakened by recent heavy rains and unregulated construction, suddenly gave way.

Witnesses said they first heard a low rumble — “like thunder coming from the ground” — followed by a deafening crack as the surface buckled.

Three motorbikes, a car, and several pedestrians were pulled into the collapsing ravine. Search teams have already recovered four survivors, though at least two remain missing. Nadech Kugimiya is currently listed among the unaccounted.

Rescue officials are using drones equipped with thermal cameras and long-range microphones, hoping to detect any sign of movement or sound beneath the debris.

Fans Gather, Prayers Spread

By midnight, thousands of fans had gathered outside Channel 3 Studios — where Nadech filmed many of his hit series — holding candles, flowers, and posters bearing the words “กลับบ้านนะนาดีช — Come home, Nadech.”

On Twitter (X), hashtags like #PrayForNadech and #StayStrongYaya quickly trended globally. Celebrities, politicians, and fellow actors joined the outpouring.
Singer BamBam Got7 wrote, “Thailand loves you, brother. We’re all waiting.”
Even Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a brief statement urging calm and promising full government support for the rescue mission.

Meanwhile, international media picked up the story, calling Nadech’s disappearance “a national heartbreak unfolding in real time.”

A Hero On and Off Screen

Born in Khon Kaen, Nadech Kugimiya rose to fame in the early 2010s with hit dramas like Game Ruk Game Rai and Torranee Ni Nee Krai Krung. Known for his humility and devotion to family, he was widely regarded not only as a top actor but also as one of Thailand’s kindest celebrities.

He and Yaya Urassaya were seen as Thailand’s “Golden Couple” — admired for their genuine love story that transcended fame. The pair had just celebrated their 12-year anniversary last month and were reportedly planning a quiet wedding next year.

“He’s the kind of person who stops to talk to street vendors, who visits hospitals without cameras,” a close friend shared. “That’s why this hits everyone so deeply — he has given so much light to people’s lives.”

Speculation and Hope

As the night drags on, conflicting reports continue to emerge. Some say a witness saw movement near the lower edge of the ravine; others claim to have heard faint knocking sounds. Rescue officials, however, have not confirmed these accounts.

Authorities fear the unstable ground and rising water levels could complicate the operation. Still, teams are working through the night, with oxygen tubes, pulleys, and rescue dogs on standby.

A member of the Thai Red Cross said:

“There is still hope. People have survived longer in worse situations. We will not stop until we find him.”

A Nation Holds Its Breath

At 1:45 a.m., Channel 7 News aired live footage from the rescue site — floodlights piercing the darkness, cranes lifting twisted metal, and rescuers shouting commands in the rain. Among them, a familiar face stood praying silently: Yaya Urassaya herself, clutching Nadech’s jacket that had been found near the collapsed guardrail.

The image instantly went viral. Thousands of fans wept watching her whisper, “Come back to me.”

Temples across Bangkok began holding late-night prayer ceremonies, with monks chanting for Nadech’s safe return. Even rival TV networks joined together in solidarity — something unseen in decades of Thai media history.

The Unanswered Question

No official confirmation has yet been made regarding Nadech’s condition. Authorities are expected to hold a press briefing by sunrise. Until then, his whereabouts remain unknown.

But one thing is certain — this tragedy has united the nation in grief, faith, and love. From Bangkok’s glittering skyline to the smallest rural temples, candles are being lit, prayers whispered, and tears shed for a man whose smile once brightened millions of homes.

As dawn approaches, hope and heartbreak hang in the humid air. Reporters at the scene say the rescue lights still glow deep into the ravine — a symbol of a country that refuses to give up.

“He gave us stories about love, courage, and humanity,” a fan said, holding back tears. “Now, we just want to give him one — a story of survival.”