Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, has ordered urgent assistance following a road collapse on the inbound side of the Rama 2 Expressway parallel road in Bangkok. The incident, reported by Piyapong Chiwatnakulpaisan, Director-General of the Department of Highways, has raised concerns about public safety.
According to Thai News Agency, the collapse occurred at approximately 6:30 AM on January 17, 2026, at kilometer 29+350 on the Bangkok-bound parallel road, within the Mahachai Highway Maintenance Section, Samut Sakhon Highway District. The initial cause was identified as a ruptured 1,000-millimeter diameter water pipe, belonging to the Samut Sakhon Municipal Waterworks Division, which burst during excavation work for pipe connection and road surface restoration, resulting in potholes.
In response to the incident, the Department of Highways promptly dispatched officers to manage traffic and ensure road user safety. Coordination with the Samut Sakhon Municipality was also established, with municipal officers sent to address the situation on-site.
Initial reports indicate that one pickup truck was involved in the accident, though there are no reports of injuries or fatalities at this time. Mr. Pipat has instructed the Department of Highways to closely monitor the situation, expedite repairs to the damaged areas, and urges the public to exercise caution when traveling through the affected area until conditions improve.