Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke has announced that the chronic traffic issues on Rama II Road will soon be in the past, with all ongoing construction work to be finished by next year.

 

This pledge came after a tense discussion on social media with Bangkok's Move Forward MP, Rukchanok Srinork, about the unbearable traffic conditions on this busy road.

 

Chai countered on Monday, recounting a trip from Hua Hin to Bangkok that took a reasonable two hours and 40 minutes, contradicting claims of constant traffic.

 

Rukchanok responded by accusing Chai of ignoring the real experiences of daily commuters. She referred to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's infamous bike ride in Chiang Mai as a sign of disconnect from reality.

 

She also challenged Chai to experience the Rama II traffic jams for a month, and called for acknowledgement of the everyday struggles faced by people.

 

In turn, Chai emphasised the government's dedication to solving the traffic problem. According to Thai PBS World, he laid out plans to speed up construction projects that have been on hold for over 50 years.

 

Under a strict rule focused on public safety, construction is now restricted to late-night hours to lessen travel disruptions.

 

Simultaneously, a sudden scaffolding collapse on Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon province has led to an immediate investigation, directed by Department of Highways Director-General Sarawut Songsivilai. A comprehensive safety check of all steel scaffolding along the elevated Motorway 82 (M82) is also planned.

 

Elsewhere, Thailand's transport minister reported the construction on Rama II Road will still cause delays during the Songkran festival. Even though there are efforts to hasten the work, the project completion date is now moved to June 2025. The minister assured contractors would receive compensation to encourage quicker progress.

 

Caption: Creative Common License via Bing

 

-- 2024-04-25

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15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Chai countered on Monday, recounting a trip from Hua Hin to Bangkok that took a reasonable two hours and 40 minutes, contradicting claims of constant traffic.

Did he have an escort?

This construction project had been going on for how long? 16 years? And they are only to km. 36. I estimate 20 years to go. So, how will they finish by next iear, unless they just abandon the project? 

We have seen many of these slow, disruptive road construction project. They are not only a major inconvenience to travelers, but they also damage the businesses situated along the roads. I can't believe that they compensate business owners for loss of income.

Soon be in the past, finished next year if your lucky...

I live in Samut Sakhon off Rama2. Progress is extremely slow and at times non-existing. Not to mention narrrowing sections to two lanes with left lane having cars stop to buy food off vendors or trucks being repaired on the road in front of the mechanic shop. But to their credit they put their hazard lights on. Wow how considerate. Morons!!!

"Government Promises to Ease Traffic Woes on Rama II Road"

 

Right after they solve the air quality issues, and traffic in Bangkok.

 

 

 

Given the government's performance on this simple "land-bridge" one can only imagine what that idiotic idea of linking Chumpon and Ranong will look like.

 

 

 

5 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Did he have an escort?

Or late at night... or did someone else take the ride, not him

5 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

This construction project had been going on for how long? 16 years? And they are only to km. 36. I estimate 20 years to go. So, how will they finish by next iear, unless they just abandon the project? 

Started about 50 Years ago, (Widening the road) I live Chom Thong just off Rama 2. Effing Nightmare!

6 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Did he have an escort?

We did it (once)  in just over 2 Hours leaving at 5.30am , we live near Central Rama 2. Normally about 3 and a half hours.

There is a very high electric poll of high voltage at over-bridge of Baan Khuntian across Rama2 road and tollway construction. The electric poll standing tall between tollway’s pillars. I wonder how they solve this contradiction.