In Buriram's Prakhon Chai district, steel grates covering village drainage manholes, completed only three months ago, have deteriorated. Two vehicles traveling through the area have fallen in, injuring one person. Villagers believe the damage resulted from using substandard materials and poor construction quality. The subdistrict administrative organization chief has coordinated with the contractor for urgent repairs.
On 19 May 2026 in Buriram province, reporters reported that yesterday (18 May 2026), Mr. Ruengroj Kaeophrakon, chief of the Si Liam Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Prakhon Chai district, along with Mr. Somsak Umram, deputy chief of Si Liam SAO, inspected the steel drainage manhole grates near Ban Si Liam. They responded after villagers reported that the grates, recently constructed by a contractor and opened for public use about three months ago, had deteriorated. The steel grates had broken loose, causing a sidecar motorcycle and a car passing by to have wheels fall into the drainage manhole, damaging the vehicles. The sidecar motorcycle driver was injured.
The inspection found that the steel drainage manhole grates were damaged at 5 to 6 points, posing risks to travelers. The authorities have contacted the contractor to urgently repair the grates to ensure they are strong and safe for the public.
Mrs. Anongnat, 43, a village resident, said the drainage pipes and steel grates covering the manholes in the village had only been open to vehicle traffic for about three months. However, the steel grates became damaged, causing two vehicles to have accidents where wheels fell in: one car, which was damaged but had no injuries, and one sidecar motorcycle with one injured person. She suspects the damage was due to substandard steel and poor workmanship. She urged for urgent repairs to make the grates strong and up to standard to prevent further accidents.
Mr. Chalad, 73, said that on the day of the incident, he was riding a sidecar motorcycle carrying two sacks of unhulled rice to be milled. When he reached the accident spot and saw a vehicle following, he swerved to the roadside, unaware that the recently installed steel drainage manhole grate was damaged. His sidecar wheel fell in, causing him to injure his leg. He believes the grate deteriorated so quickly because it was not made to standard. He wants urgent repairs to prevent others from suffering injury or death.
Meanwhile, the deputy chief of Si Liam SAO stated that the drainage pipe and manhole cover project had been underway since late 2025, while the former chief and administrators were still in office. About three months after opening for traffic, the steel grates covering the manholes deteriorated, causing vehicles passing by to fall in and suffer damage. They have contacted the contractor to expedite repairs since the warranty period has not expired, aiming to ensure the safety of villagers who frequently travel the area.