Road
- Automotive
Is driving safe in Thailand?
Thailand, with its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and delectable cuisine, beckons travellers from around the globe. Yet, beneath this paradise lies a stark reality that often goes unnoticed – the safety of driving on its roads. Despite the allure of exploring this beautiful country on a moped or scooter, the question of safety looms large. Navigating Thailand’s roads comes with…
- Automotive
Tips for pedestrian safety in Thailand
When you’re planning to navigate Thailand’s roads, understanding the country’s road safety statistics is crucial. Despite efforts to brighten up zebra crossings, the real issue lies beneath the surface – a deep-rooted road culture that’s putting lives at risk every day. Not only does this knowledge prepare you for the reality of driving there, but it also arms you with…
- Thailand News
Thai Transport Ministry announces 652 billion baht for infrastructure projects
The Thai Transport Ministry recently announced a substantial investment of 652 billion baht (US$18,345,526,120). The funds are earmarked for around 150 transport projects to be initiated this year and the next, in a bid to bolster the country’s infrastructure. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit detailed the plans following a policy seminar held yesterday, January 31. According to him, 64 projects, with…
- Thailand News
On Nut-Lat Krabang elevated road construction to resume in March
The halted construction of the On Nut-Lat Krabang elevated road, following a catastrophic collapse five months ago, is set to recommence in March. The plan is currently being revised by the Public Works Department of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The elevated road, located on Luang Phaeng Road in Lat Krabang district, experienced a tragic collapse of a 600-metre section…
- Thailand News
New 6.5 kilometre six-lane road to link Phutthamonthon Sai 4 with Bang Yai-Kanchanaburi Motorway
The Department of Highways in Thailand embarked upon a new project to construct a 6.5-kilometre-long six-lane road that will link Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road with the Bang Yai-Kanchanaburi Motorway. The new roadway is expected to alleviate traffic congestion on the existing roads and foster urbanisation in the adjoining areas. The highway will extend through four districts in Nonthaburi and into…
- Thailand News
Tourist traps or traffic tricks? Pattaya’s road signs under scrutiny
The Machanu Roundabout, where Jomtien Second Road meets the path to Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, has turned into a perilous zone, prompting residents to demand swift intervention. The pedestrian crossing signs, seemingly innocuous, are placed at a precarious height of only 160 centimetres. Tourists, oblivious to the looming hazard, find themselves colliding with these signs, resulting in a string of…
- Thailand News
Sedan’s shocking hit and run on Ratchada Road sets social media abuzz (video)
A shocking road incident involving a white sedan and a yellow-green taxi recently set social media abuzz. The white car was filmed reversing into a stationary taxi in the middle of Ratchada Road before speeding away from the scene, sparking widespread online debate. The video, shared by the popular Red Skull page, left both locals and tourists in shock, seeking…
- Thailand News
Pattaya: Pathway hazard caused by parked cars, potholes, and uneven tiles
Locals and tourists found themselves grappling with perilous pathways along Pattaya‘s Second Road, turning the once-bustling path into a hazardous route. Haphazardly parked cars, potholes, and uneven blocks create a challenging terrain for pedestrians, but that’s not all – advertising signs and encroaching vehicles add to the chaos, further squeezing the already tight walkway. The epicentre of this safety crisis…
- Thailand News
Pattaya: Pothole excavations cause frustration for locals
Since the start of roadworks at the Chaiyapruek intersection on January 4, bewildered Pattaya residents have been scratching their heads over the necessity and planning behind this disruptive project. City authorities claim the construction work is an attempt to rectify uneven road surfaces, but the public is not buying it and many are taking to social media to air their…
- Thailand News
Thai driver’s vehicle carrying hazardous chemical catches fire
A Thai driver transporting a dangerous chemical called aluminium phosphate, commonly used to eliminate agricultural pests, last night found himself in a precarious situation when his vehicle caught fire. The incident unfolded in Soi Porn Sawang 7, Samrong Nua Subdistrict, Samut Prakan. A rapid response by local fire crews and the Ruamkatanyu Foundation contained the situation, preventing a potential disaster.…
- Transport News
Thai transport minister considers tougher DUI penalties
The Thai Ministry of Transport, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, recently made public his contemplation to escalate the penalties for fatal accidents due to driving under the influence (DUI). The proposed amendment in the law, announced on December 27, would see the current imprisonment duration of three to ten years potentially increase to a substantial 12 to 15 years. This initiative was purportedly…
- Transport News
Traffic surge on Asia Highway as Bangkok residents return home
The volume of traffic on the Asia Highway, passing through the province of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, is increasing, as people residing in Bangkok begin to return to their hometowns and visit northern provinces. This marked increase in travel is expected to continue throughout the day until late into the evening. Reports this morning from the Asia Highway eastwards, passing…
- Transport News
New year exodus triggers traffic on Phaholyothin and Mittraphap Roads
Traffic started to intensify on both Phaholyothin and Mittraphap Roads as city dwellers began their exodus from Bangkok to celebrate the New Year in their hometowns. By 10.30pm on yesterday vehicles were moving at speeds of 60 to 70 kilometres per hour on Phaholyothin Road heading towards Nong Khae, Saraburi, although there were occasional slowdowns. As vehicles approached Saraburi city,…
- Transport News
Motorway No 81 now operational, offering free passage until next Wednesday
The new segment of Motorway No 81, also known as M81, is now operational and offering free passage to motorists until next Wednesday. This recent development connects Nonthaburi’s Bang Yai district with Kanchanaburi province. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Transport Minister, Surapong Piyachote. Surapong expressed that this initiative was intended as a New Year present for…
- Thailand News
US Google Maps nightmare: Desert detours lead drivers to nowhere, stranding them for hours
Google Maps has left motorists stranded on treacherous desert roads, turning what should have been a smooth drive between Los Angeles and Las Vegas into a nightmare. Apologies have been issued, but for some, the damage is already done. Shelby Easler and her family set out on the well-trodden path from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to catch the thrilling…
- Phuket News
Patong’s peril: Road collapse has drivers on edge in Phuket
A patch of road shoulder collapsed on the route over Patong Hill leading into Phuket’s bustling tourist hub, Patong, a situation that has authorities urging drivers to exercise caution. The subsidence occurred yesterday, and repair works are still ongoing on the compromised section of the route. Emergency repairs were undertaken on the cracked road surface yesterday. The Phuket Highways Office,…
- Thailand News
Tailspin surprise: Man’s daylight drive in China halted by woman with a fox tail blocking the road
A man driving in the bright daylight in China was taken aback upon encountering a woman with a fox tail, strolling along and blocking the road. With her back towards him, he was intrigued to see her face. The bizarre incident unfolded when the Chinese man was driving along a road and found a young woman slowly strolling across the…
- Thailand News
Pak Kret sinkhole causes traffic disruption, urgent repairs underway
A giant sinkhole disrupted traffic at the mouth of the Pak Kret tunnel on Tiwanon Road when a precast concrete slab, covering an electrical conduit, collapsed due to heavy traffic. Authorities quickly cleared the area and temporarily halted traffic to urgently repair the damage, aiming to finish before the morning rush hour. The incident occurred at 8pm yesterday. The Pak…
- Phuket News
Patong Hill road set for major safety makeover in Phuket
The notorious Patong Hill road in Phuket is set to undergo a significant makeover aimed at enhancing safety and reducing the frequency of accidents, particularly on its steep slopes. This development comes as a response to mounting concerns and complaints from local inhabitants about the hazardous condition of the frequently used road. The plan was unveiled after Phuket Governor Sophon…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya’s Soi Buakhao set to become one-way street in major traffic overhaul
The streets of Pattaya are on the brink of a significant transformation. Officials announced that Soi Buakhao, a bustling road in the city, will soon be converted into a one-way street. To alleviate the regular high congestion and traffic density in the area, the traffic system change is set to take place within the next two weeks. The plan follows…
- Phuket News
Phra Mettha Road in Phuket reopens after four-month closure
Phuket’s Phra Mettha Road, which had been sealed off for approximately four months, once again welcomed the hustle and bustle of traffic on November 1. The artery of Patong, this road spans 1 kilometre behind the Jungceylon shopping mall, stretching from Soi Banzaan to Soi Nanai Ruamjai. The closure, which began on June 20, was necessary for the construction of…
- Phuket News
Phuket advances new road project to ease traffic and boost disaster resilience
The working group tasked with overseeing the proposed new road project linking Kathu and Srisoonthorn in Phuket confirmed that it will proceed with the required surveys and inspections. The group will also create maps delineating the land boundaries, thus paving the way for the road’s construction. The working group, led by Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan, convened at Phuket Provincial…
- Phuket News
Phuket MP raises concerns over hastily built, damage-prone Patong Hill Road
An MP representing Phuket District 2 announced his intention to raise a critical issue in Parliament regarding the hastily built road over the hills from Chalong to Patong. Constructed last year following a landslide on Patong Hill, this road has since been met with concerns about its condition and cost-effectiveness. The road, named Luang Phu Supha Road, was inspected by…
- Transport News
BMA fast-track road returns to ease city’s traffic congestion
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) issued a call to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) for the swift restoration of roads surrounding various MRTA construction sites. This move is aimed at mitigating the escalating traffic congestion in the city. The deputy Bangkok governor, during a recent BMA meeting, revealed that the MRTA has assured the BMA of the planned…
- Transport News
Bumpy road, broken spirits: Buriram locals rally for repairs after 50 years of dismay
Residents of Kok Pho in Buriram expressed their dismay at the state of a dilapidated road that has been in a state of disrepair for over 50 years, causing numerous accidents and commuting a challenge. They urgently request relevant authorities to expedite road repairs. Representatives from the villages of Kok Pho and Kok Ta Baek in the Isaan Khet district…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s Nanai Rd undergoes partial closure for resurfacing
Phuket‘s Patong Municipality announced a partial closure of Nanai Rd, starting from today till August 5, for resurfacing amidst the persistent traffic challenges caused by ongoing flood works in Phra Metta Rd. The resurfacing work, expected to span a period of two weeks, prompts the necessity of one-way traffic regulation at separate sections of Nanai Rd. The municipality confirmed this…
- Bangkok News
Road collapse: Residents demand quick compensation after elevated road project mishap
Prompted by the destructive downfall of a chunk of an elevated road project on Luang Phaeng Road situated in the Lat Krabang district on July 10, residents are fervently appealing to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) for a swift distribution of compensation and other financial aid post the unfortunate road collapse. A portion of the On Nut-Lat Krabang elevated road…
- Phuket News
Phuket road closure: Temporary shutdown for flood-prevention works disrupts traffic
Police have released a map indicating alternative routes to help reduce traffic disruptions after the temporary closure of a 1-kilometre stretch of road for flood prevention works in Patong. The section affected from Soi Banzaan to Soi Nanai Ruamjai (Soi Nanai 8) has been closed since Tuesday. The road closure was originally scheduled until August 26, although recent notices from…
- Road deaths
Fatal collision on poorly lit curve exposes need for better road lighting in Samut Sakhon
On a dimly lit curved road, a collision between an 18 year old motorcyclist and a 51 year old man turned fatal, leaving one dead and another severely injured. Locals disclosed that accidents frequently occur in this area due to poor road lighting. An accident was reported on Chalermphrakiat Bang Bo alley in the vicinity of the Srap Charoen Suk…
- Road deaths
Terrifying near-miss in Ratchaburi prompts calls for improved road safety measures
A terrifying incident occurred on a dark, poorly lit road when a white sedan suddenly emerged from a side road, narrowly missing a pickup truck, before crashing into a road sign and street isle. The drivers of both vehicles, as well as passengers, escaped unharmed from the ordeal in Ratchaburi province. A social media user shared a video of the…
- Phuket News
New Na Klang-Ao Jik road links Phuket and Phang Nga, boosting tourism
The newly completed Na Klang-Ao Jik road, which connects Phuket and Phang Nga, is set to provide a boost to local tourism and cross-provincial transport. The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has invested approximately 282.8 million baht (US$8.5 million) in the 4.2-kilometre road, which is part of a city expansion project in Phang Nga’s Thai Muang district. The concrete road…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Malaysia collaborate on new transborder road to boost ties
A new road connecting Thailand’s Sadao border checkpoint in Songkhla to Malaysia’s Bukit Kayu Hitam town in Kedah state is set to be built, following an agreement between the two countries aimed at strengthening their ties. Chonthun Sangpoom, the deputy secretary-general of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC), said yesterday that the SBPAC and state agencies participated in the…
- Transport News
Shortcut road between Kathu and Thalang in the works
Phuket authorities are planning to construct a shortcut road between Kathu and Sri Soonthorn in Thalang. The road is being built in hopes of easing traffic congestion in Koh Kaew. The move was announced by Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO) President, Rewat Areerob, who revealed that three prominent families in the region have donated land for public use to enable…
- Thailand News
Pattaya to ban parking on beach side of road from March 1
Pattaya City is banning parking on the beach side of the road from March 1. Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches, says the move is in response to an increase in traffic issues after the city has seen more tourists arriving. According to The Pattaya News, the new rule stirred up social media reactions with many residents agreeing with the move. However,…
- Road deaths
Songkran’s 7 dangerous days: 2,365 road accidents, 277 deaths
We’ve finally reached the end of the Songkran holiday “7 dangerous days”, where over 2,300 road accidents resulted in 2,357 injuries and 277 deaths. Every year Thai officials brace for the surge in holiday travel that brings a surge in accidents as well, but the silver lining of Covid-19 is the reduction in accidents. This year saw a drop of…
- Road deaths
Songkran’s 7 dangerous days campaign #6: 313 road accidents, 29 deaths
As we enter the final stretch of Songkran’s infamous “seven dangerous days”, 29 deaths were recorded and 313 road accidents across Thailand. Officials warn we are not yet through the yearly dangerous week of holiday travel that typically results in a sharp increase in traffic accidents, injuries and death. The silver lining of Covid-19 is that travel is significantly down,…
- Road deaths
Songkran road safety day 5: 37 deaths, 330 accidents
On the fifth day of Songkran’s infamous “seven dangerous days”, there were 330 road accidents resulting in 37 deaths and 328 injuries reported across Thailand. Songkran brings an increase in travel, and with it, an unfortunate increase in traffic accidents and road deaths. With Covid-19 severely curbing festivities this year, figures are generally down, but the government continues to encourage…
