PUBLISHED: 23 Mar 2025 at 06:00
The Ministry of Transport, along with the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat), has initiated both civil and criminal proceedings against a contractor following a tragic incident where a beam collapsed during construction on the Rama III-Dao Khanong Expressway. The collapse, which occurred on Rama II Road, resulted in six fatalities and injured 24 others.
Spokesperson Krichanont Iyapunya from the Transport Ministry and Exat governor Surachet Laophulsuk formally filed the charges against the contractor and associated companies involved in the incident.
The collapse resulted in damage to a 15-meter segment of the Dao Khanong exit ramp, prompting the closure of outbound lanes, while the inbound toll plaza for the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway was reopened after sustaining partial damage.
Exat is accelerating efforts to reconstruct the impacted section of the expressway.
According to Mr. Kritchanont, evidence has been submitted to police as part of the ongoing investigation, which aims to identify and hold accountable those responsible for potential corruption linked to the incident. Both individuals and corporate entities implicated in wrongdoing will face both criminal and civil repercussions.
A dedicated committee has been established to investigate the collapse, thoroughly examining construction materials, imported equipment, and work processes. This inquiry is expected to be completed within 20 days and will include laboratory tests and reviews of procedural discrepancies.
The Department of Special Investigation is also involved, analyzing the procurement process of the project, valued between 7-8 billion baht.
Should negligence be proven, offenders could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of 200,000 baht for causing fatalities, or up to three years in prison and a 60,000 baht fine for serious injuries, not including civil liabilities.
Additionally, the Thailand Consumers Council and the Lawyers Council are assessing ways to support victims affected by the incidents on Rama II Road. TCC secretary-general Saree Ongsomwang highlighted that since the road’s construction in 1973, over 2,500 construction-related accidents have occurred, resulting in 144 deaths and injuring 1,400 individuals.
She emphasized that families of the deceased should receive one-time compensation, whereas those injured should be entitled to monthly payments.
Sumet Ongkittikul, vice president of the Thailand Development Research Institute, urged for a thorough investigation into the quality of construction and oversight of projects along the road.
