A section of an elevated highway under construction in Bangkok, Thailand collapsed in the early hours of March 15, resulting in the deaths of five people, including two Myanmar nationals. The incident occurred around 2 AM in the Choang Som district area of the Ram 2 elevated highway project. According to Thai authorities, the two deceased Myanmar workers were identified as Ko Zin Ko Aung and Ko Naing Lin Aung, along with three Thai nationals who also lost their lives in the tragic incident.
The collapse resulted in injuries to twenty-nine people, who were immediately transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. This incident follows another tragic accident at the same construction project that occurred on November 29, 2024, when falling concrete segments caused the deaths of six construction workers and injured eight others. The recurring accidents have raised serious concerns about construction safety standards and worker protection measures at major infrastructure projects in Thailand.
Thailand, being one of the fastest-growing economies in the ASEAN region, has been rapidly developing its infrastructure with numerous large-scale construction projects. However, experts point out the need for stricter adherence to construction site safety protocols and worker protection standards. There are increasing calls for enhanced safety measures, particularly for migrant workers who form a significant portion of the construction workforce in Thailand. The incidents have highlighted the urgent need for improved safety regulations and their strict enforcement in construction projects, especially those involving high-risk elevated structures and major infrastructure developments.
