Rail-y bad landslide derails Lampang-Chiang Mai train services

Travel chaos struck the northern rail line today as the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced an indefinite shutdown of services between Lampang and Chiang Mai due to a devastating landslide and severe flooding.

The dramatic incident unfolded last night, wreaking havoc on the track between Mae Tan Noi Railway Station in Lampang and Tha Chompoo in Lamphun. The rail line has been rendered impassable, forcing a complete halt to train operations in the area.

All trains bound for Chiang Mai are now stranded at Lampang station, while return services to Bangkok are being dispatched from Lampang. To ease the disruption for passengers, the railway has arranged buses to shuttle travellers between Chiang Mai and Lampang in both directions, Bangkok Post reported.

Adding to the travel woes, the Meteorological Department of Thailand issued a stern storm warning today, September 23, forecasting heavy rain and thunderstorms to pound the northern region, including Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Lamphun, until tomorrow, warned the department, raising concerns over further disruptions and safety risks.

“Residents should prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flooding in these areas.”

Picture courtesy of ThaiRathIn related news, a severe landslide and flood disaster has affected nine provinces in Thailand, resulting in 19 fatalities and numerous injuries. The Ministry of Public Health is mobilising medical supplies and healthcare personnel to assist the affected populations.

The disaster, which occurred between September 8 and September 18, created a critical situation requiring a coordinated response from multiple government agencies.

A teleconference was held yesterday, chaired by Veerawut Imsamran, Inspector General of the Ministry of Public Health, in conjunction with the Emergency Public Health Division, provincial health offices, and other relevant agencies. The aim was to prepare for and manage the medical and health aspects of the ongoing crisis.

Veerawut emphasised that the current flood and landslide situation is a priority, necessitating integrated efforts from all state agencies to support and assist the public.