In response to mounting social media uproar over the Rama II highway’s perpetual construction nightmares, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a directive to the Transport Ministry to solve traffic congestion before the impending Songkran holiday frenzy.
Connecting nearby Hua Hin to the capital, the route is essential for those planning to travel to the seaside resort from Bangkok.
The 62 year old Thai PM’s directive follows a viral travel page post, highlighting the eerie tranquillity of Hua Hin due to Bangkokians dodging Rama II’s notorious gridlocks. Promising swift action, the prime minister vowed personal oversight to ensure contractors toe the line and deliver on their promises.
However, reports from the ground challenge the notion of Hua Hin as a ghost town, with locals debunking claims of a tourism downturn. Despite the highway’s woes, tourist numbers remain stable, reported Pattaya Mail.
Dubbed the seven generations of construction for its seemingly never-ending work cycles, the Rama II highway saga not only fuels traffic woes but also raises safety concerns with accidents and falling debris plaguing commuters.
In related news, in Mae Hong Son’s Pai district, the highway sign that reads Welcome to Pai has found itself at the centre of a heated controversy. Adorned with an array of stickers, the sign has divided opinion on whether it’s a quirky tradition or a potential road hazard.
The viral photo, widely circulated on social media over the past week, showcases the sign drowning in stickers, capturing the essence of bikers who stop by to commemorate their journey through the northern province. However, amidst the allure of this tourism gimmick, concerns over safety and legality have emerged.
In other news, the Thai holiday resort of Phuket is grappling with a serious traffic problem. Senate Transportation Commission Chairman, General Yodyut Bunyathikarn, was informed on his recent visit to the island that over half a million vehicles are congesting the roads.
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