Bangkok: The Prime Minister has mandated both civil and criminal charges in response to the collapse of a construction beam on the Rama III-Dao Khanong-Outer Bangkok Ring Road project. The incident has prompted a thorough investigation and a reevaluation of safety measures within the construction sector.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra convened a meeting with key officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit, to address safety concerns following the bridge beam's collapse. During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for accountability and ordered civil action against the contractor involved, as well as criminal proceedings. Additionally, she considered revoking the project consultant's license, emphasizing the critical responsibility of all parties involved.
The meeting, held at the Government House's Green Room, focused on the safety measures in road construction and transportation routes. Prime Minister Shinawatra acknowledged that although the current government did not initiate the Rama II Bridge and Rama III Expressway projects, it is necessary to address the persistent issues and accidents associated with them. She stressed the importance of ensuring responsibility and compliance with standards, especially when large companies subcontract to smaller entities.
The Prime Minister urged an evaluation of whether project consultants had neglected essential processes and regulations. She highlighted the importance of determining the complexity of the issues and whether they warranted the revocation of licenses. Shinawatra called for a serious examination of responsibilities, noting that repeated incidents, particularly those resulting in loss of life, must be addressed with clarity.
The Prime Minister tasked the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) with investigating the incident further to provide insights for future improvements. She also raised concerns about traffic congestion and safety, seeking solutions to enhance orderliness and flow.
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya acknowledged the recurring problems on Rama II Road and emphasized the Ministry of Transport's commitment to addressing them. He confirmed that measures are in place, including the potential blacklisting of companies responsible for fatalities, which would prevent them from bidding on new projects for up to two years. Suriya stated that this approach would be more effective than verbal warnings and highlighted the cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and the Comptroller General's Department in amending relevant rules.
Suriya dismissed criticisms of construction delays, affirming the Prime Minister's proactive stance. He mentioned that the Expressway Authority had engaged a consultant to oversee the project and that the consulting firm had already initiated a criminal lawsuit regarding the incident.