It was supposed to be an ordinary evening for Thai superstar Nadech Kugimiya, one of Asia’s most beloved actors and cultural icons. But just 10 minutes ago, that normalcy shattered into chaos. On his way home from a late-night shoot in central Bangkok, Nadech was reportedly last seen near the site of a terrifying 50-meter-deep sinkhole collapse — a catastrophic event that has now left his whereabouts completely unknown. Witnesses describe a scene of confusion, panic, and disbelief as the earth itself gave way beneath one of Thailand’s most recognizable figures.
Now, as the minutes turn into hours, his family has released a heartbreaking statement: Nadech is officially missing. And the world is holding its breath.
A Sudden Disaster in the Heart of Bangkok
The incident occurred at approximately 7:40 PM local time, just as rush hour traffic was beginning to thin along Sukhumvit Road, one of Bangkok’s busiest arteries. Without warning, a massive section of the road collapsed inward, forming a sinkhole estimated to be 50 meters deep and more than 20 meters wide. Eyewitnesses described the ground “swallowing cars whole” and “sucking in everything around it” with a force that left them stunned.
“It was like a scene from a disaster movie,” said one bystander, still visibly shaken. “We saw a motorbike, a delivery truck, and what looked like a man in a cap — and then, in seconds, they were gone.”
Authorities quickly arrived on the scene, cordoning off the area and deploying emergency response units. Within minutes, speculation began to swirl as fans online recognized the man seen near the sinkhole as none other than Nadech Kugimiya, 33 — a leading man in Thai drama, film, and advertising, and a national treasure beloved across Asia.
Witnesses: “We Saw Him… And Then He Vanished”
Multiple witnesses have now confirmed that they saw Nadech in the vicinity of the disaster moments before the collapse. According to a food vendor who was serving customers nearby, Nadech appeared to be on foot, possibly heading toward his car after leaving a film set.
“He was on the phone,” she recalled. “I remember thinking, ‘Is that really him?’ He looked relaxed, like he was just going home. Then the ground started shaking, and everyone screamed. When I looked back, he wasn’t there anymore.”
Another witness, a motorcyclist, described the moment as “pure chaos.”
“There was this huge cracking sound — louder than anything I’ve ever heard,” he said. “I saw him glance back as the ground split open. He tried to step back, but the pavement gave way under his feet. Then he was gone.”
Family’s Heartbreaking Statement: “He Is Currently Missing”
Just over an hour after the incident, Nadech’s family released an emotional statement to the press, confirming the worst fears of fans around the world:
“We can confirm that Nadech has not been located since the sinkhole disaster on Sukhumvit Road. Emergency teams are conducting search and rescue operations. We are devastated and praying for his safe return. We ask for privacy and support during this unimaginable time.”
The statement, signed by Nadech’s parents and longtime partner Urassaya “Yaya” Sperbund, sparked an immediate outpouring of grief across social media. Within minutes, hashtags like #PrayForNadech, #StayStrongNadech, and #FindNadech were trending in Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines — regions where his work has earned him a loyal following for more than a decade.
A Nation Holds Its Breath
As night falls over Bangkok, rescue crews are still battling the clock. Specialized equipment has been brought in to stabilize the ground around the sinkhole, which experts say is still shifting beneath the surface. Engineers fear that further collapses could occur at any moment, complicating search efforts.
“We are working under very dangerous conditions,” said Colonel Somchai Pradchapong, who is leading the rescue team. “The soil is unstable and the risk of secondary collapse is high. But our mission is clear — we will not stop until we find Nadech and anyone else who may be trapped.”
Drones equipped with thermal imaging have been deployed to detect signs of life beneath the rubble. So far, however, authorities have not confirmed any discoveries.
A Beloved Star, A Shocking Disappearance
For millions, Nadech is more than just an actor — he is a symbol of Thailand’s entertainment renaissance. Since his breakout role in 2010’s Game Rai Game Rak, he has become a fixture on screens across Southeast Asia, winning numerous awards and amassing a fan base that spans continents. Known for his charm, humility, and philanthropy, he has long been regarded as one of the region’s most respected public figures.
His disappearance has left fans reeling.
“I feel like I’ve lost a family member,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “We grew up watching him. He was always smiling, always giving back. This can’t be happening.”
Another post, shared over 100,000 times in just two hours, read simply:
“Bangkok’s brightest star — please come home. We’re waiting for you.”
Experts Warn of Worsening Infrastructure Crisis
As shock turns to anger, questions are being raised about how such a catastrophic collapse could occur in one of Bangkok’s busiest commercial zones. Urban planning experts have long warned that the city’s aging infrastructure and unchecked construction have left it vulnerable to sinkholes — particularly during the rainy season, when heavy water infiltration weakens underground soil.
“This tragedy is a wake-up call,” said Dr. Preecha Kittisak, a civil engineering professor at Chulalongkorn University. “This was not an unpredictable event. It was preventable.”
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has pledged a full investigation into the incident. Early reports suggest that ongoing subway construction beneath the street may have contributed to soil destabilization, though officials have not confirmed any direct link.
The Human Side of the Tragedy
As the search continues into the night, the most haunting images are those of Nadech’s loved ones gathered at the site — faces pale with fear, hands clasped in silent prayer. His mother was seen sobbing as rescue workers briefed her on the situation. Yaya, his longtime girlfriend, stood by her side, her eyes fixed on the gaping void where he was last seen.
“He’s strong. He’s a fighter,” Yaya told reporters through tears. “I know he’s still alive. I know he’s trying to come back to us.”
Nearby, fans have begun leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten notes of support at the barricades surrounding the sinkhole. Some sit quietly, others chant prayers, all united by a shared hope that the man who brought them joy and inspiration will soon emerge from the darkness.
A Long Night Ahead
As midnight approaches, search crews say the next 12 hours will be critical. Heavy rain is forecast overnight, which could further destabilize the site and complicate rescue efforts. Still, officials remain cautiously optimistic.
“We are not giving up,” Colonel Somchai emphasized. “Every second counts, and we are prepared to work through the night.”
The world, too, will be watching — waiting for a miracle.
A City United in Hope
For now, Bangkok is a city holding its breath. Streets that were once alive with noise and neon are silent, save for the hum of rescue machinery and the murmurs of prayer. Across the nation, television networks have cut regular programming for continuous coverage. Celebrities, politicians, and ordinary citizens alike are posting messages of solidarity and urging authorities to spare no effort.
“Thailand stands with Nadech,” Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared in a statement late tonight. “We are doing everything humanly possible to bring him home.”
Whether he is trapped beneath the earth or clinging to life in a hidden pocket of air, no one yet knows. But one thing is certain: Nadech Kugimiya is not forgotten. And until he is found, Thailand — and much of Asia — will not rest.
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