Phra Ram 2 Road Incident: Cement Plummet Raises Safety Concerns in Bangkok

It was a heart-stopping moment for one driver as her usual commute turned into a scene straight out of a disaster movie. This harrowing incident occurred just yesterday, May 19, when an unsuspecting motorist found herself in the crosshairs of an all too common yet terrifying reality on Thailand’s bustling roads. As she navigated the notorious Phra Ram 2 Road near The Niche ID Rama 2 condo, a chunk of cement suddenly plummeted from the overpass above, shattering the rear window of her car. In an instant, what was meant to be a routine drive morphed into an ordeal that left her both scared and outraged.

For residents and daily commuters of this stretch of Phra Ram 2, tales of the road’s incessant construction chaos and frequent mishaps have almost become an urban legend. Known far and wide as one of Bangkok’s bottlenecks, it has once again justified its notorious reputation. Recounting the terrifying experience, the shaken motorist lamented, “I already keep an eye on what’s in front and behind me. Now, do I also have to worry about things falling from above too?”

The incident rapidly swept across the internet after a relatable post from a Facebook user, “สุด คนึง,” described the unnerving encounter in great detail. “It finally happened to me,” the user wrote, expressing frustration toward the contractors. “Limestone fell from the Rama 2 bridge while on the expressway exit, right before The Niche ID Rama 2. This is due to sheer negligence. It’s fortunate that it didn’t cause any injuries or worse.”

The fallout from this negligence is presently under investigation by the Bangmod Police Station and Viriyah Insurance. The story, as reported by KhaoSod and Spring News, underscores a familiar dread for thousands who rely day in and day out on Rama II Road, a critical link between Bangkok and Southern Thailand. This road has been dubbed the “Seven Generations Road,” alluding to its ever-sluggish pace of construction, an ordeal ongoing for over 55 years!

Social media burst with comments on the issue, capturing the widespread sense of resignation and humor among the community. “Thank goodness everyone is okay—that’s what really matters,” commented one concerned netizen. Another suggested, somewhat sarcastically, “Perhaps it’s time to consider flying over driving!” The emphasis was clear: seek full compensation for the damages and time lost, while many reiterated, “Beware of the sky!”

The incident brings to light the ongoing struggles of city commuters who daily face trials and tribulations not just from fellow drivers but, as it turns out, from the very infrastructure designed to support them. As roadworks cease to present a timeline approaching anywhere near completion, the pressing issue remains—how long should commuters be forced to tempt fate on this so-called “road of no return”?

Here’s the rub: as more incidents like this continue to surface, one can’t help but wonder how much more tension the local populace and weary commuters have to endure. Will there ever be a day when these roads will be known for their smooth drive rather than daily dramas and close calls? Until then, drivers brace for more surprises from above, ever hopeful for a reprieve from the seemingly endless cycle of construction nightmares.