Landslide Fears as Major Road in Tak Province Collapses

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

Motorists travelling between Mae Sot and Mueang Tak have been warned to drive with extreme caution after a section of concrete highway dramatically subsided by a depth 2.5 metres, raising concerns about a potential landslide, with unstable ground.

The incident occurred at kilometre marker 24+600 on the highway connecting Mae Sot and Mueang Tak, near Ban Mae Lamao in Dan Mae Lamao subdistrict, Mae Sot district. Authorities from Tak Highway District 2 deployed approximately 30 staff to assess and respond to the collapse.

The affected area, stretching nearly two kilometres from the Phawo Shrine towards Mueang Tak, has been partially closed. Traffic is being diverted, with vehicles from both directions sharing a single inbound lane into Mae Sot. Officials have set up 24-hour patrols and monitoring teams to manage the risk and ensure safety.

Kritapas Uttaraveerakan, Director of Tak Highway District 2, stated that the cause of the subsidence was prolonged heavy rainfall over the past two weeks. The affected zone lies along a mountain ravine descending from Mount Phawo. The continuous rain caused severe water runoff, which eroded the lower road embankment, leading to the road’s collapse.

Large trucks using the diversion lane, which runs through a steep mountain pass, continue to pose a challenge. Loud cracking noises from beneath the road surface have raised further concerns about ongoing ground movement.

Engineers have installed sheet piles to stabilise the roadbed and prevent further erosion. Heavy machinery is in use to reinforce the structure, while experienced geotechnical engineer Mr. Pranik Jittareekul has been dispatched to advise on long-term preventative solutions.

Authorities are urging all road users to slow down and pay close attention to road signs and detours. With more rain forecast, the risk of additional collapses remains.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-08-01