Prepare for traffic congestion! The Metropolitan Police Bureau, MRTA, and Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning announced the closure of the overpass at Pratunam Intersection starting 24 April 2026 at 22:00, operating 24 hours daily until 11 February 2027, for the construction of the Orange Line metro from Bang Khun Non to Thailand Cultural Centre.
Today (21 April 2026), Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawat Wongsanga, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, together with Mr. Kittikorn Tanpaw, Deputy Governor (Engineering and Construction) of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and Project Director of the Orange Line metro from Bang Khun Non to Thailand Cultural Centre, and Mr. Surapong Mianmitr, Deputy Director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, held a press conference on preparations for closing the overpass at Pratunam Intersection to carry out construction of the Orange Line metro project. They led media representatives on a site inspection of the skywalk in front of Platinum Fashion Mall to finalize preparations before the overpass closure on 24 April 2026 from 22:00 onwards, operating 24 hours a day until February 2027. During this period, commuters at Pratunam Intersection will be able to use only ground-level routes (controlled by traffic signals) on Phetchaburi Road, with 2 inbound lanes and 3 outbound lanes.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawat Wongsanga, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, stated that the closure of the Phetchaburi Road overpass at Pratunam, a strategic location with heavy traffic all day, is necessary because it lies within the underground construction plan for the Orange Line metro from Bang Khun Non to Thailand Cultural Centre. The Metropolitan Police Bureau and the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning have reviewed the MRTA's construction plans to discuss traffic management strategies that minimize the impact on commuters. Traffic management preparations focus on three main areas: adjusting traffic signals to match vehicle volumes, installing informational signs to warn and suggest detours at appropriate distances before the construction site, and deploying traffic police at high-risk points to manage vehicle flow during rush hours. The public is advised to allow extra travel time, especially during the initial closure period, and to consider detours such as the Si Rat Expressway, Si Ayutthaya Road, or Rama I Road to plan their trips effectively.
Mr. Kittikorn Tanpaw, Deputy Governor (Engineering and Construction) of MRTA, explained that the Orange Line metro project from Bang Khun Non to Thailand Cultural Centre involves constructing an underground tunnel passing beneath the Pratunam Intersection on Phetchaburi Road. MRTA and Ch. Karnchang Public Company Limited, contractor for Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited—the project's private partner—have planned the process, which includes dismantling the bridge approach, deck slab, one bridge span's pier, and pile foundation to allow the tunnel to pass underneath. They emphasize reinforcing the bridge structure that will remain above the underground works. The bridge will then be rebuilt to its original condition, with an estimated total duration of about 10 months. MRTA will expedite construction at Ratchathewi Station, an adjacent area, to help reduce traffic impacts, and will strictly supervise consultants and contractors to ensure maximum safety in line with the Ministry of Transport's safety policies.
Mr. Surapong Mianmitr, Deputy Director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, said that commuters passing through Pratunam Intersection on Phetchaburi Road may consider public transportation options to avoid traffic jams during construction. These include water transport via the Saen Saep Canal boat service (Pratunam Pier), which is the most convenient; rail options such as the Airport Rail Link at Ratchaprarop Station and BTS Skytrain at Chidlom or Ratchathewi Stations; and bus services operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority and private companies on various routes. Using public transit will reduce road traffic and facilitate access to the city center.
Details of detour routes around the construction site are as follows:
1. Si Rat Expressway at Yommarat Toll Plaza For those traveling from Nakhon Sawan Road toward the eastern side of Bangkok, turn right at Nang Loeng Intersection onto Phitsanulok Road, then turn left at Yommarat Intersection to enter the Si Rat Expressway at Yommarat Toll Plaza. Exit onto Rama IX Road, turn right onto Phetchuthai Road, then turn left onto Phetchaburi Road to continue toward eastern Bangkok.
2. Si Ayutthaya Road Route For travelers coming from Nakhon Sawan Road heading to eastern Bangkok, turn right at Nang Loeng Intersection onto Phitsanulok Road, then left at Uruphong Intersection onto Rama VI Road. Next, turn right at Si Ayutthaya Intersection onto Si Ayutthaya Road, continuing onto Jaturathit Road and Rama IX Road. Then turn right at Rama IX-Pradit Manutham Intersection to proceed toward eastern Bangkok.
3. Ratchadamnoen Nok Road Route For those coming from Ratchadamnoen Nok Road toward eastern Bangkok, turn right in front of the equestrian statue plaza onto Si Ayutthaya Road, then left at Wat Benchamabophit Intersection onto Rama V Road. Next, turn right at Ratchawithi Intersection onto Ratchawithi Road, pass Victory Monument, continue along Din Daeng Road and Rama IX Road, then turn right at Rama IX-Pradit Manutham Intersection to head toward eastern Bangkok.
4. Boripat Road Route Travelers from Boripat Road heading to eastern Bangkok should turn left near Tang Yu Huat Limited Partnership onto Charoen Krung Road, then left at Mo Mee Intersection onto Mittraphan Road. Proceed past the 22 July Circle to Maitri Chit Road, heading toward Rama IV Road. Turn left at Kluaynamthai Intersection onto Sukhumvit 42 Road, continuing onto Ekkamai Road to reach eastern Bangkok.
5. Bamrung Muang Road and Rama I Road Route For those traveling from Bamrung Muang Road toward eastern Bangkok, continue along Bamrung Muang Road onto Rama I Road, proceed straight to Ploenchit Road, then turn left at Ploenchit Intersection onto Witthayu Road, continuing to Phetchaburi Road to reach eastern Bangkok.
MRTA advises all travelers to prepare and allow extra travel time. If possible, avoid the construction area. MRTA apologizes for any inconvenience caused. For traffic diversion details, please call 06 3217 6532.
As of the end of March 2026, the Orange Line metro project from Bang Khun Non to Thailand Cultural Centre is 26.72% complete overall, with civil works at 29.19% and rail system installation at 7.86%. The Orange Line section from Thailand Cultural Centre to Min Buri (Suwinthawong) is currently installing rail systems and is 48.73% complete. For more information, visit the project's website at www.mrta-orangelinewest.com and the project's Facebook page.
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