Bangkok (September 24, 2025): A shocking story claiming that a busy road outside Wachira Hospital in Bangkok had suddenly collapsed went viral on social media. The viral post, originally shared in the Thai language on platform X (formerly Twitter), alleged that at around 7:30 AM a massive sinkhole measuring 160 feet deep and 98 feet wide had appeared, swallowing three cars.
The post further claimed that power poles had fallen, an underground pipe had burst, and that Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul personally visited the site and ordered an investigation.
This dramatic claim quickly spread across the world, with images and videos creating panic and fear. Many international users believed the story to be real.
The Truth Behind the Viral Story
However, an AFP Fact-Check investigation revealed that the viral visuals were AI-generated fake images, not real photographs. The picture showing crowds standing around a collapsed section of road had no link to reality — it was created using artificial intelligence tools.
Fact-checkers clarified that there was no such incident in Bangkok, and no sinkhole of the claimed size had been reported. The viral post was an example of misinformation amplified by realistic-looking AI-generated visuals.
Why This Matters
This case highlights how AI-generated fake visuals can mislead people worldwide. Such content looks realistic, spreads rapidly on social media, and can cause unnecessary panic. Experts warn that with the rise of advanced AI image tools, verifying the authenticity of viral news has become more important than ever
FAQs – Bangkok Road Collapse Viral Hoax
1. What was the viral claim about Bangkok?
That a 160-foot deep and 98-foot wide sinkhole appeared outside Wachira Hospital, swallowing cars.
2. When was the post first shared?
On September 24, 2025, via a Thai-language post on X (formerly Twitter).
3. Did the post claim any casualties?
It claimed no lives were lost but mentioned cars, power poles, and water pipes being affected.
4. Was Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul really involved?
No, the claim that he visited the site and ordered an inquiry was false.
5. Were the viral images real?
No, they were AI-generated fake visuals, not real photographs.
6. Who exposed the truth?
AFP’s fact-checking team confirmed the images were fake.
7. Did a sinkhole actually occur in Bangkok on that date?
No, no such incident was reported.
8. What are AI-generated fake visuals?
Images created using artificial intelligence tools that look real but are completely fabricated.
9. Why did the news spread so fast?
Because the visuals looked authentic and played into people’s fears of sudden urban disasters.
10. What’s the lesson from this incident?
Always verify viral news and images from credible sources before believing or sharing them.
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