Bangkok: The Governor of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) expressed his deepest condolences to the deceased and his concern for the injured and their families following the collapse of a construction bridge beam at the Dao Khanong Toll Plaza on the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway. He has called for an urgent response to the incident.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Surachet Laopoolsuk, Governor of EXAT, revealed that the collapse occurred on March 15, 2025, at approximately 01:30 a.m. The incident resulted in 24 non-serious injuries and 5 fatalities. EXAT has committed to expedite consideration of appropriate compensation, ensuring that the contractor provides compensation of no less than 1 million baht to each family of the deceased.

Mr. Surachet outlined plans to establish a fact-finding committee to investigate the incident and develop safety guidelines to prevent future occurrences. The Expressway Authority is also working to expedite the recovery of the area, following orders from Mr. Suri
ya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport. The aim is to reopen the expressway service from Dao Khanong to Suk Sawat checkpoint on the inbound side with high safety standards.

The EXAT has set a target to reopen the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway at the inbound Dao Khanong Toll Plaza within 7 days. Additionally, a safety inspection of the bridge structure has been ordered, alongside strict control over debris removal. Repair of the damaged outbound section heading to the Dao Khanong Interchange is expected to be completed within 30 days.

Currently, EXAT has instructed the contractor to halt work for 14 days to facilitate an expedited investigation. Mr. Surachet assured that once the facts are established, the public will be informed of the cause and measures implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.