Huge sinkhole found in middle of field in Thailand

A massive sinkhole appeared in the middle of a field, sparking concern among farmers in Thailand.

Video shows the stonking cavity cordoned off with ropes in the middle of a sugarcane field in Nong Bua Lamphu province on July 4.

Landowner Wannee Srisunthorn, 65, said the chasm initially began as a small hole on June 28. However, it gradually expanded to a diameter of about 33 feet just a week later.

She said: 'I've seen other holes in the ground too, but none as large as this one. I am scared to go out farming alone. No one would save me if I fell.'

Village council chief Nookul Boonkhamjun, 61, said there were also reports of more sinkholes appearing in other farmers' fields.

A 23-foot-wide hole also swallowed the ground in the field of farmer Nunta Ponnual, 53, and another 10-foot-wide hole appeared in villager Nid Pratumthong's land.

The sinkholes were reported to be growing in size.

Nookul said: 'The issue has been reported to the Dan Chang Sub District Administration Organisation, which placed red ropes around the holes to prevent people from approaching. Right now, the farmers are afraid to work because they are scared the ground would give way under them. I hope the local government can help since people's livelihoods are being affected.'

Sinkholes are caused by the dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone, gypsum, and salt by water, creating underground voids that eventually collapse.

Human activities like drilling, mining, and excessive groundwater extraction can also accelerate their formation.

Natural events like heavy rainfall, floods, and droughts can also trigger sinkholes by altering the water balance in the ground.