Mae Hong Son: Repairs to the bridge at Ban Mae Thalu remain incomplete, causing schoolchildren to navigate precarious monkey stairs to attend classes. On the first day of the new school term, students in Sop Moei District, Mae Hong Son Province, faced the challenge of relying on wooden stairs as they made their way to school. The bridge's neck undergoing repairs left no safe detour for the children.
According to Thai News Agency, students had to climb a wooden ladder over the bridge's neck to reach their school bus waiting on the Mae Thalu Bridge. The return journey proved equally challenging, as some children found it difficult to step up and down due to the ladder's height and their fear of heights. The temporary ladder, positioned over three meters above the ground, was the only route available, as announced on April 30. Villagers were informed that the bridge would be dismantled and reconstructed over a month, with a recommendation to use an alternative route. However, the lack of a viable detour prompted villagers to request relevant agencies to establish a safer alternative.
The bridge repair is part of a rural highway rehabilitation project on Highway No. 004, aimed at addressing damage from natural disasters. The project is scheduled to conclude on July 3, 2025. In response to the situation, the Sop Moei District Administration is preparing to conduct a fact-finding mission in the area to assess the ongoing challenges faced by the community.