Safety Barriers Installed on Bhumibol Bridges to Prevent Suicides

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

The Department of Rural Roads is accelerating the installation of stainless steel barriers on the Bhumibol 1 and 2 bridges to prevent suicides, following repeated complaints from local residents. The project is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025.

 

Due to frequent suicide attempts from the bridges, communities living below have been affected by distressing incidents and emotional trauma. To address the issue, the Department of Rural Roads initially installed a 650-metre-long stainless steel barrier on Bhumibol 1 Bridge. Since its completion, no further suicide attempts have been recorded at that location.

 

Encouraged by these results, the department has now approved an extension of the project to Bhumibol 2 Bridge, covering a further 695 metres. The initiative aims to enhance safety for both residents and bridge users.

 

Chansak Rangsarikam, Director of the Industrial Ring Road Maintenance Division, explained that the primary goal is to protect lives. He stated:

 

“The barriers will cover the central section of the bridge over the Chao Phraya River to prevent people from attempting suicide. Unfortunately, some individuals who were unable to jump from the bridge’s central span have instead moved to the landward sections. To address this, we plan to extend the barriers further to cover high-risk areas.”

 

He urged those struggling with personal difficulties to seek support from family members or professional help, rather than resorting to such drastic actions.

 

The Bhumibol Bridges, also known as the Industrial Ring Road Bridges, play a crucial role in Bangkok’s transport infrastructure, facilitating the movement of heavy vehicles and easing city congestion. With a clearance of approximately 50 metres above the river, strong winds often pose risks to motorcyclists and pedestrians.

 

The newly installed barriers, made from high-quality stainless steel, meeting Thai Industrial Standards (TIS). They are highly durable, resistant to corrosion, heat, and rust, and have a long service life. The design consists of interlocking cylindrical and rectangular bars, standing three metres high, ensuring robust protection.

 

The project, with a budget of nearly 30 million baht, is set to be completed by April 2025. Further expansions may be considered to prevent suicide attempts from landward sections near the bridges.

 

The Department of Rural Roads hopes this initiative will significantly reduce incidents.

 

-- 2025-03-20

 

[Tropicalevo]

30 million baht for some railings that will not stop the suicides - the people will just go elsewhere.

And this is just for extending the fence.

How much was the first installations?

How much is left in the tin for the homeless and destitute in Bangkok?