Road collapse in Betong disrupts traffic until December next year
A road collapse in Betong, Yala Province, has caused significant disruption, with officials warning motorists to avoid the area due to safety concerns. The road, which has sunk over 10 metres deep, is closed for repairs from today, December 4 until further notice.
A report from locals alerted the acting head of the Betong District Transport Office, Thararath Sangthong, to the situation. The collapse occurred on Mahamongkhon Road, near the Betong bus station in Yala. Amorn Chumchuay, the district officer of Betong, was informed and joined the inspection of the site.
The scene revealed a hazardous situation as the road had sunk to a depth of 10 metres and stretched 8 metres wide over a length exceeding 50 metres.
This posed a potential threat to vehicles and pedestrians. Betong Municipality’s disaster prevention and mitigation officials, along with the Betong Police, swiftly set up traffic barriers and cones, marking the area as dangerous and strictly off-limits to the public.
Traffic closures have been enforced from the PTT junction to the tourist police three-way intersection, covering the entire stretch of Mahamongkhon Road.
The temporary closure is crucial for ensuring public safety, and officials urge everyone to refrain from using the route until repairs are completed.
Amorn, Betong district officer, explained that continuous rainfall had caused the soil beneath the road surface to erode and crack, leading to the collapse. To ensure public safety, traffic police have announced the closure and are disseminating the information through various media to inform the public and prevent potential accidents.
Efforts are underway to expedite repairs, with relevant agencies coordinating to bring machinery and equipment to restore the road as quickly as possible. Betong district has been affected by landslides and road collapses in three major locations: the border road leading to Baan Saho, the collapsed road in Moo 3, Baan Kaphae Salang, Tharn Nam Thip subdistrict, and Mahamongkhon Road, Betong, reported KhaoSod.
Thararath disclosed that the Yala Provincial Transport Office, Betong branch, has devised a contingency plan following the road collapse near the Betong bus station. Bus operators and passengers have been informed that the Chalerm Phrakiat 80th Birthday Building of Betong Municipality, formerly the community hall, will serve as the temporary Betong bus station starting today, December 4, until further notice.
