The Fatal Collapse That Stopped Rama II Construction and it's Dangerous Legacy: 2,500 Accidents and Counting

In the early hours of March 15, 2025, tragedy struck yet again on Bangkok’s Rama II Road. A concrete beam from the under-construction Dao Khanong expressway bridge collapsed near Soi 25, killing five workers and injuring 22 others. The incident occurred while workers were pouring concrete to connect bridge columns—a moment that turned catastrophic without warning. Rescue teams rushed to the scene, battling through the debris to save those trapped.

The fatalities included an engineer and two Thai workers, as well as two migrant laborers. More than 20 people were on-site when the beam gave way, underscoring the persistent dangers faced by workers in Thailand’s infrastructure sector. Authorities have now suspended construction for 14 days and launched a formal investigation into the cause.

This isn’t the first—or even the tenth—serious accident on Rama II Road. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) has reported over 2,500 construction-related incidents on this highway since 2019. That staggering number includes 143 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries. The road, often referred to as “The Road with Never-Ending Construction,” serves as a vital link between Bangkok and the southern provinces. Ironically, the very projects meant to ease congestion are also causing a disturbing rise in life-threatening events.

From gantry crane collapses to falling slabs and cracked elevated sections, the project’s safety track record has been nothing short of alarming. Experts say one of the biggest issues is how work progresses while traffic continues to flow below or beside these massive structures, adding layers of complexity and risk.

In the aftermath of this latest disaster, Exat has vowed to take legal action against the ITD-VCB joint venture, the contractors responsible for this phase of the project. A minimum compensation of 1 million baht per deceased worker will be paid to their families. But is financial compensation enough?

Experts, including Thailand Structural Engineers Association President Amorn Pimanmat, stress that while investigations are underway, deeper systemic issues must be addressed. These include stricter design verification, third-party audits, and enhanced real-time monitoring during construction phases.

The bridge that collapsed is part of the Rama III–Dao Khanong–Western Outer Ring Road project—meant to improve traffic flow. But unless safety becomes a non-negotiable foundation of engineering practice, the cost of progress may continue to be measured in lives lost.

Check out the following video for more information on the tragic incidence.