Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Rama 2 Road, Highway 35, has recorded approximately 2,511 inccidents over the past eight years, resulting in 144 deaths and 1,411 injuries. The figures underline persistent safety risks on one of the country’s most important transport corridors, which has been heavily affected by long-running construction works. Recent incidents in January 2026 again disrupted traffic and renewed concerns over public safety.

Rama 2 Road links Bangkok with the southern provinces and has been under continuous expansion as part of a major infrastructure programme. The route has become widely associated with frequent accidents, particularly during construction, earning the nickname “the seven-generation road” due to repeated delays and hazards. Many of the most serious incidents have involved falling construction materials or structural failures.

Between 2018 and 2021 on the route, annual accident figures ranged from 234 to 491 cases. In 2018 alone, there were 491 accidents, 38 deaths, and 268 injuries, while in 2021 there were 234 accidents, 21 deaths, and 116 injuries. The data show a persistent pattern of risk despite changes in traffic conditions over time.

In 2022, authorities recorded 434 accidents, with 16 fatalities and 229 injuries. Among them was a major incident on 31 July 2022, when a concrete slab from a U-turn bridge collapsed near Vibharam Hospital, killing two people and injuring three. In 2023, there were 263 accidents, 13 deaths, and 139 injuries, including a fatal incident on 7 May 2023 when a concrete beam fell on a worker at the Rama 2–Ban Phaeo expressway construction site.

Serious accidents continued in later years despite fewer overall incidents. In 2024, two major accidents killed six people and injured 11, including the collapse of crane components and bridge beams near Mahachai Market on 29 November 2024. In 2025, another major collapse of concrete beams and a construction crane at kilometre 21+600 in Kok Krabue killed six people and injured 24 others on 15 March 2025.

Daily News reported that the situation has continued into 2026. On 15 January 2026, a concrete segment and a large crane collapsed in front of a hotel, killing two people and injuring five. Two days later, on 17 January 2026, a large sinkhole measuring 4 by 6 metres opened in the road, causing a pickup truck to partially fall in, though no injuries were reported.

Key Takeaways

• Rama 2 Road recorded about 2,511 accidents, 144 deaths, and 1,411 injuries between 2018 and 2026.

• Many fatal incidents were linked to construction activity, including falling materials and structural collapses.

• Serious accidents continued into 2026, including a deadly crane collapse and road subsidence.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-01-17

 

 

144 deaths and nothing done about occupation health and safety while the owners dont care as long as they are getting paid shocking

They might as well give up on this one, nobody wants to use it based on what I've heard.

I used it a few months ago but the Mrs won't go anywhere near it.

It is so dangerous to drive the part where they are working... and it goes on for years already... When is it finished?? delayed time after time...and those who are responsible don't care about the blood on their hands.. as long as they can fill their pockets.. Shameful

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Rama 2 Road recorded about 2,511 accidents, 144 deaths, and 1,411 injuries between 2018 and 2026.

I came here in 1999 and construction was ongoing then. What about the accidents before 2018?

5 hours ago, ozz1 said:

144 deaths and nothing done about occupation health and safety while the owners dont care as long as they are getting paid shocking

Rama 2 Road, Highway 35, has recorded approximately 2,511 inccidents over the past eight years, resulting in 144 deaths and 1,411 injuries. The figures underline persistent safety risks on one of the country’s most important transport corridors, which has been heavily affected by long-running construction works.

And the ministers do nothing, except take heir salaries

This is one of the reasons why I have never gone to Hua Hin in the last few years. It is just too dangerous to drive.

The highway is cramp, bumpy and with the construction, it is a death trap.

Furthermore, the highway is not a highway in that the road is accessible from all side roads and with thai driving, you will expect cars or bikes filtering into the highway at any time ...

Avoid it if you can.

So, no Hua hin for me

I know a few people killed on that road

The Rama II project is nothing short of an abomination, a national disaster, and a tragedy for the entire nation of Thailand.

Italthai, who is responsible for this project should not only be terminated, the executives should be brought up on charges and imprisoned, and the company should be fined into the billions of baht. The delays of this project are unforgivable, the tragedies that have resulted from a lack of safety standards are a historically enormous mistake on the part of multiple government agencies, who lack safety oversight, and the list of malfeasance is endless.

On 1/17/2026 at 3:15 PM, ozz1 said:

144 deaths and nothing done about occupation health and safety while the owners dont care as long as they are getting paid shocking

As someone who lives off rama2 I take offence to your comments (🤣). You fail to mention thousands of “SAFETY FIRST” signs posted along the way. Isn’t that enough? Furthermore we’re going for the record here or perhaps ensure we maintain No1 spot. In what doesn’t really matter as long as we lead the way😂😂😂😂

Have had a few vlose calls there seems to still be a few years from completion.

The best time I have found to travel on it is before 6am. Leave Bangkok around 4:30 and it is fairly clear sailing.

Its cursed

Every time I use Rama 2 I am really nervous

The sooner a competent company that is aware of the need for safety takes over construction the better

On 1/17/2026 at 3:15 PM, ozz1 said:

144 deaths and nothing done about occupation health and safety while the owners dont care as long as they are getting paid shocking

The owner is very busy, cooking up panthers.

I gather the company's practically bankrupt anyway, so no compo on offer & no chance of better performance.

Several hundred people due - or should be - for charges of criminal negligence, contractual deficiencies, financial malfeasance on a massive scale, and just about any other criminality you can think of. Looking forward to the proceedings ...

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

The Rama II project is nothing short of an abomination, a national disaster, and a tragedy for the entire nation of Thailand.

Italthai, who is responsible for this project should not only be terminated, the executives should be brought up on charges and imprisoned, and the company should be fined into the billions of baht. The delays of this project are unforgivable, the tragedies that have resulted from a lack of safety standards are a historically enormous mistake on the part of multiple government agencies, who lack safety oversight, and the list of malfeasance is endless.

n0 wonder you cant mention names !!!!!!

It seems to be a theme that part of construction site safety should be to not have major traffic flow through it, or under it.

Seems obvious enough, not sure why it hasn’t been recognized as a necessity before. Well, not really true. I know full well why, can’t be bothered and eats into profitability. And tbh, I think the lions share is simply can’t be bothered.

On 1/18/2026 at 12:07 AM, petedk said:

I came here in 1999 and construction was ongoing then. What about the accidents before 2018?

OHS death stats. expire after seven years. Reason why is so, " the Rich can get richer and the poor get the picture".

On 1/17/2026 at 3:02 PM, Georgealbert said:

Serious accidents continued into 2026, including a deadly crane collapse and road subsidence.

I have just found this concerning Google report about Ital-Thai's presence in Burma (Myanmar)

Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (ITD) has historically been heavily involved in major infrastructure projects in Myanmar, most notably the Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ), but its active role has been significantly reduced due to financial issues and project termination notices. 

In late 2020/early 2021, the Myanmar government notified ITD that its services were no longer required due to lack of progress and failure to pay concession fees.

As of early 2026, ITD has been severely impacted by financial difficulties, accumulating heavy losses between 2020 and 2024, partly due to the failure of the Dawei Project. In January 2026, the company had several of its projects in Thailand suspended by the government following fatal accidents. 

Maybe cash strapped Ital Thai is cutting significant health & safety corners, and using sub-standard building materials, to stay afloat?

Off topic troll post about US politics removed @Luuk Chaai

i'm driving up there in a couple of weeks, i'll be driving in the left shoulder!

12 hours ago, NemoH said:

This is one of the reasons why I have never gone to Hua Hin in the last few years. It is just too dangerous to drive.

The highway is cramp, bumpy and with the construction, it is a death trap.

Furthermore, the highway is not a highway in that the road is accessible from all side roads and with thai driving, you will expect cars or bikes filtering into the highway at any time ...

Avoid it if you can.

So, no Hua hin for me

Why not take the train?