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?

[watchcat]

On 3/19/2025 at 10:58 PM, Georgealbert said:

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.

 

What the heck have local residents anything to do with this? They take their lifes for some reason.

[save the frogs]

it's ok. provides employment. 

 

[fredwiggy]

Might try putting the money towards more mental health services, as people will find many other ways to end their lives if depression has taken hold. Million of people suffer from depression in this country alone, and many don't understand there are ways to help. What they did was about as much sense as the wall in the US to try and stop immigrants from coming in. There are countless buildings in Thailand with low rails which people "fall" off every month, so this isn't the answer. Like another said, they will just find another place. Recognizing the signs of depression and trying to help them is the first thing. Whether they take your advice to seek help or not is their decision.

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, save the frogs said:

it's ok. provides employment. 

 

Private enterprises offer the only real opportunities for workers and graduates.

The Thai government offer bugger-all but hard times

[newbee2022]

On 3/20/2025 at 5:58 AM, Georgealbert said:

 

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

 

Better find out why people want to commit suicide.

And also offer professional help.🙏

 

[Purdey]

The same amount money would cover a lot of mental health counseling and treatment.

[watchcat]

17 hours ago, Purdey said:

The same amount money would cover a lot of mental health counseling and treatment.

 

I don't believe in counseling, I've already planed when "I'm going"

[BangkokReady]

23 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Better find out why people want to commit suicide.

And also offer professional help.🙏

 

Due to religious beliefs, Thais seem prone to suicide.  They appear to see it as a kind of reset button and a way to escape things like failed relationships or bad debt.  Suicide and then on to the next life, hoping that it will be better. 

 

The was even a group of girls who committed suicide together during covid because they were distressed by what was going on and wanted to escape it.

[newbee2022]

33 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

 

Due to religious beliefs, Thais seem prone to suicide.  They appear to see it as a kind of reset button and a way to escape things like failed relationships or bad debt.  Suicide and then on to the next life, hoping that it will be better. 

 

The was even a group of girls who committed suicide together during covid because they were distressed by what was going on and wanted to escape it.

Well, I know and agree, though to offer professional help and make this help line published would be appropriate. To use psychological assistance and support is not common yet in Thai society.