Extraction of ground water for use in industry is causing continued land subsidence in the city and environs, Samrit Chusanathat, a water table expert, said yesterday. In surrounding provinces the situation has become critical. Stricter controls had led to a significant reduction in subsidence in crisis areas of the city like Ramkhamhaeng, where sinking had slowed from about 10cm a year in the early 1980s to 3.5cm a year. Major crisis areas include Bang Khen, Phra Khanong, Bang Kapi, Huay Kwang, Phra Pradaeng and Muang district in Samut Prakan, Min Buri and Lat Krabang.