Samut songkhram: A recent crane collapse on Rama II Road, the primary gateway to Thailand's southern coast, has caused a dramatic decline in regional tourism, with local businesses reporting a loss of up to 80% of their customers.
According to Thai News Agency, industry leaders in Samut Songkhram province on Monday urged the government to implement stringent safety measures to restore traveler confidence following the accident. The Vice President of the Samut Songkhram Tourism Industry Council reported an "abnormal" drop in visitor numbers. Walk-in tourists, in particular, are reportedly altering travel plans to avoid the construction-heavy route due to safety concerns.
"During a typical weekend, local shops would see an average of 100 customers. Currently, that number has plummeted to just 20 or 30," the official said, noting a decline of 70% to 80% in foot traffic.
Rama II Road has long been notorious for its seemingly endless construction and a history of falling debris and structural accidents. The latest crane collapse has reignited public outcry over safety standards on the expressway project.
The tourism council is now calling on state agencies to strictly supervise construction safety to protect lives and property, stressing that the region's economic recovery depends on rebuilding the trust of the traveling public.