The Tamesis
January 19, 2026
Bangkok – Dr Samart Ratchapolsitte, deputy leader of the Democratic Party, warned that accidents similar to the two fatal crane collapses could occur at other large transport projects being built on road and rail lines.
Samart said in a Facebook post on Saturday that the two incidents in Nakhon Ratchasima on Wednesday and in Samut Sakhon on Thursday were a warning sign that more accidents could occur at large projects being built over existing roads and railway tracks.
Samart wrote: “On January 14 and 15, 2026, crane collapses occurred respectively during the construction of the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail project and the Rama II M82 highway (Bang Khun Thian-Ban Phaeo). Few people expected such serious incidents to occur two consecutive days.”
“Especially on Rama II Road, there have been many construction-related accidents here. Although the community believes that preventive measures have been stepped up, another accident still occurred.”
Samat said the two fatal accidents within 24 hours prompted him to wonder: If such projects go ahead, will the risk really go away? Or are we just waiting for the next flashpoint?
He said he reviewed recent construction projects involving “elevated structures spanning existing roads or railroads” and concluded that even a small oversight could lead to an incident that no one wants to see again.
He said projects that require particularly close monitoring
1) Highway
M82 Highway on Rama II Road (Bang Khun Thian – Ban Phaeo): Not yet completed and has been involved in many accidents. Risks remain. If construction extends to Baishou County, the risk could last for several years.
M8 Motorway (Nakhon Pathom – Pak Tho): Includes elevated sections across existing roads, increasing the risk of crane-related accidents.
M5 Motorway (Rangsit – Bang Pa-in): Follow most of the route above Phahonyothin Road. In the event of an accident, the crane may fall onto a vehicle traveling below.
2) High-speed rail
Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima Section: The accident has occurred and construction has not yet been completed, so the risk is not over yet.
Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai section: Construction is about to begin, and about 56% of the route is higher than the existing railway. An accident could have a direct impact on trains running below.
3) Urban rail
Red Line: Rangsit-Thammasat University (Rangsit Center): built on the ground.
Red Line: Taling Chan-Sala Ya: is almost entirely at ground level, while Taling Chan-Siriraj includes some elevated sections that cross the main road (Charan Sanitwong Road), creating risks at specific points.
