Thailand’s Prime Minister Orders Inquiry After Motorway Collapse
Bangkok, January 17, 2026 – Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul swiftly responded to the collapse of a section of the under-construction Motorway M82, ordering an immediate investigation and prioritizing aid for those affected. The incident, which occurred on Rama 2 road, has prompted concerns about safety standards and potential contract termination with the project’s builder. It’s a stark reminder that infrastructure projects, while vital for economic growth, demand rigorous oversight to prevent disasters.
Mr. Attanakulpaisarn, Director General of the Department of Highways, and the Governor of Samut Sakhon Province, visited the site in Samut Sakhon province to assess the situation. The collapse involved a steel structure designed for installing concrete sections – a Launching Gantry (LG) – on the Bang Khun Thian – Ekkachai – Ban Phaeo route,Section 7 of the Motorway M82.
The visit focused on understanding the cause of the incident and outlining immediate solutions, working in coordination with highway police and other relevant agencies.
“I wanted to see the actual conditions at the work site firsthand,” Mr. Anutin stated, emphasizing the urgency of removing the heavy steel structure from the roadway. He instructed the engineering team to prioritize safety for the public, road users, and workers during the removal process. the Prime Minister also stressed the importance of providing extensive and swift assistance to those injured or affected by the collapse.
Contract Termination Looms for Italian-Thai Development
Beyond the immediate rescue efforts,the Prime Minister directed the Ministry of transport and the Department of Highways to conduct a thorough,transparent,and retrospective investigation into all aspects of the project. This includes reviewing the assembly process, work performed the night before the incident, and the overall work control system.
Significantly, Mr. Anutin authorized consideration of exercising the government’s contractual rights to “Terminate the contract” with Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited, the project’s contractor.Preliminary assessments suggest that allowing construction to continue could pose a serious risk to public safety,marking a decisive step to prevent future incidents like the one on Rama 2 Road.
