Bangkok: The Department of Highways is ready to deal with the impact of storm "Wipha" in the provinces at risk after finding that highways were flooded and had landslides in three provinces. Mr. Apirat Chaiwongnoi, Director-General of the Department of Highways, revealed that according to the Meteorological Department's Announcement No. 14 on Tropical Storm Wipha, which is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rain in Thailand, all highway departments in areas expected to be affected by Tropical Storm 'Wipha' have been urged to urgently prepare personnel, machinery, and safety equipment to ensure timely and efficient assistance to the public. In addition, all agencies in risk areas, including the North, Northeast, and Central regions, have been instructed to work with local agencies and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to closely monitor the situation and continuously notify the public and road users.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Highways has prepared warning signs, signs suggesting alternative routes and shortcuts, and officers are stationed at risk points 24 hours a day, especially main highways and mountain routes that are at risk of mudslides, such as Nan, Phayao, Chiang Rai, Phrae, and Lampang provinces. In addition, flood risk points in low-lying areas and major highways are monitored. If damaged bridge necks are found, machinery such as backhoes, trucks, and water pumps are prepared to promptly resolve the situation.
For the flood and landslide situation on July 23, 2025, it was found that highways were flooded and had landslides in three provinces: Chiang Rai, Nan, and Phayao (20 routes, 29 locations). Traffic was impassable in seven locations as follows: Highway 1093 Khun Huai Khrai - Pha Tang, at km. 48+100 - 48+150, landslide covers the road surface; Highway 1326 Rong Bua Thong - Sop Pao, km. 12+875 - 13+300, water level 10 - 15 cm; Highway 101, Chang Phueak Intersection - Pua, km. 410+670 - 411+100, water level 70 cm; Highway 1081 Bo Kluea - Chaloem Phra Kiat, km. 102+975 - 103+025, landslide covers the road surface; Highway 1081 Bo Kluea - Chaloem Phrakiat, km. 149+700 - 150+000, landslide covers the road surface; Highway 1097 Chiang Klang - Hang Thung, at km. 7+500 - 7+600, landslide covers the road surface; Highway 1256 Pua - Doi Phukha National Park, km. 25+000 - 26+000, landslide covers the road surface.
The Department of Highways' Disaster Command Center has been closely monitoring the situation of Typhoon Wipha and is asking for cooperation from road users in the northern and upper northeastern regions to be extra careful while traveling, avoid routes with heavy rain, and strictly follow the advice of officials. You can inquire about routes at the Department of Highways' hotline 1586, 24 hours a day.