Chiang rai: Prime Minister Phatarapong Pongsak urgently visited Chiang Rai to follow up on the Doi Luang tunnel collapse, expressing sorrow for the victims and ordering a swift investigation into the cause. He stated that if negligence is found, legal action will be taken to the fullest extent.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phatarapong Phatprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport, urgently traveled to Chiang Rai province to monitor the situation and receive reports on the facts surrounding the collapse of the Doi Luang tunnel wall in the Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong double-track railway construction project. The incident resulted in fatalities and injuries. He emphasized that the possibility of negligence being a factor is still being investigated in determining the cause.
During the site visit, Mr. Narongsak Suksomboon, Deputy Governor of Chiang Rai Province, Mr. Phuritthat Ruangpiriya, Director of Chiang Rai Highway District 2, and heads of government agencies in the area participated in listening to the report. Mr. Patthapong Boonkaew, the railway project engineer, summarized the information and technical details of the incident.
Mr. Phatarapong expressed his deepest condolences regarding the incident, mourning the loss of the victims' families and offering support to the injured and the staff working on the scene. He affirmed that the injured would receive close medical attention and that the families of the deceased would receive full compensation according to their rights and laws. He also stated that he would expedite the collection of all facts to report to the Ministry of Transport for further action. Currently, relevant agencies are conducting a thorough investigation into the cause, including considering technical factors and the possibility of negligence or defects in the operation.
It was emphasized that safety measures must be carefully assessed before drilling or injecting concrete to prevent similar incidents from recurring. Furthermore, if negligence or disregard for safety standards is found, legal action will be taken to the fullest extent of the law.
The Den Chai - Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong double-track railway project is considered a crucial infrastructure development linking transportation in northern Thailand. The government prioritizes infrastructure development alongside strict safety standards.