Road Collapses into Deep Hole in Central Chiang Rai, Cause Under Investigation

A section of a major road in central Chiang Rai collapsed into a deep hole on Saturday, prompting city officials to immediately cordon off the area and investigate the cause. The incident occurred on Sept. 12 at the intersection of Rattana and Singha Khlai roads near Chiang Rai City Police Station. The affected section is on the route toward the Kok River’s Khua Phaya Mengrai Bridge and connects with the route to the Five-Way King Mengrai Monument intersection. The collapse left a hole about 1–1.5 metres deep and roughly 1.5–2 metres wide. No injuries were reported, and officials said it was fortunate that no vehicles were passing through the area when the road gave way. Chiang Rai Mayor Wanchai Jongsutthamanon instructed municipal engineering officials to urgently inspect the site because the road is an important route through the city and serves an area where Chiang Rai City Police Station and the Provincial Police Investigation Division are located. Initial inspection found that the collapsed section had a large cavity beneath the road surface, with a water pipe also found inside the void. Chiang Rai Municipality has coordinated with the Provincial Waterworks Authority in Chiang Rai and electricity authorities to inspect underground utilities and determine what caused the road to sink. Officials will then develop a repair plan to restore the road and ensure it can safely reopen to traffic. The area has been cordoned off while inspections continue. Motorists have been advised to slow down and follow traffic signs and instructions from officials when approaching the affected section.