Every life matters. Rescue workers used an aerial lift to save “Nong Meow,” a kitten trapped on the Bhumibol Bridge directional sign structure for three days. A kind-hearted person took her in and named her “Nong Wongwan.”
At 11:30 a.m. on 24 June 2026, Ruamkatanyu Foundation received a report from locals that there was a “kitten” trapped on the directional sign structure of the Bhumibol Bridge at the Suksawat Road exit, Village No. 5, Bang Phueng Subdistrict, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province.
The Ruamkatanyu Foundation dispatched rescue officer Mr. Phatsin Sirileua, 66 years old (known as Pa Chai Nakorn 66), with his team to inspect and plan the rescue. The scene was a large directional sign structure about 8 meters above the road surface. The kitten was heard crying from the steel frame. The foundation coordinated with the Department of Rural Roads. Mr. Rewat Sukkham, Director of the Ring Road Bridge Division, Department of Rural Roads, Samut Prakan, and staff inspected the site and planned the rescue. Traffic police from Phra Pradaeng Police Station also assisted with traffic management.
The rescue plan involved the Department of Rural Roads staff providing one aerial lift for the Ruamkatanyu Foundation personnel to reach the kitten on the upper sign structure. Meanwhile, traffic police from Phra Pradaeng Police Station temporarily closed the lower traffic lanes for the rescuers’ safety. After about 45 minutes, the kitten was safely rescued amid cheers and applause from nearby residents.
The kitten was a female, approximately 2-3 months old, white with a distinctive black heart-shaped spot and a waving tail. After rescuers brought her safely down to the ground, Ms. Jitnipa Suphanak, 55, a local resident who reported the incident, took the kitten home to care for her.
Mr. Rewat Sukkham, Director of the Ring Road Bridge Division, Department of Rural Roads, Samut Prakan, said he was notified by a nearby resident about a kitten trapped atop the Bhumibol Bridge. The bridge pole is also used to mount speed monitoring CCTV cameras for vehicles on the industrial ring road.
After receiving the report, he coordinated with rescue and road maintenance teams to help save the kitten’s life. Incidents like this sometimes occur when animals accidentally cling to vehicles. When the vehicle stops, the frightened animal may fall and try to climb to safety, causing situations like this.
He urged drivers on expressways and regular highways to be careful if they see pets falling onto roadways, as it could cause accidents involving themselves or other vehicles.
Mr. Phatsin Sirileua, 67, (Pa Chai Nakorn 66), residing at 757 Phaya Payap Phiriya Kit Road, Talat Subdistrict, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan, Ruamkatanyu Foundation officer, said he and his team received an emergency call about a kitten trapped atop the Bhumibol Bridge. They found one small kitten at the scene and prepared for rescue.
Using the municipal aerial lift from Lat Luang Town, the kitten was startled and jumped, but he caught it in time and saved its life. They safely brought the kitten down in a basket. The Ruamkatanyu Foundation assists those in distress, including accident victims, the poor, and the deceased without means, providing free coffins. The public can call 027510951 for help 24 hours a day.
Ms. Jitnipa Suphanak, 55, a local resident who reported and took the kitten in, said she heard the kitten’s cries three days earlier. The sound was clearer at night when traffic was light. She searched but could not find the kitten and thought someone might have abandoned it near her home. She continued searching by following the sounds but still found nothing.
Later, around midnight, she recalled news reports about kittens falling from vehicles on roads because sometimes cats hide in vehicles unnoticed by drivers who then drive off or enter expressways. The next day, she looked up toward the bridge and heard the kitten crying again. She called “Meow, meow,” and the kitten appeared, prompting her to take photos to notify authorities.
She recorded photos and videos and sent them to the Khuen Khan News Center page to request help. Concerned about the heat and the kitten’s weakness, fearing it might die or fall, she prepared food and a cage in case the kitten was hungry or frightened.
After the team successfully rescued the kitten, she felt very happy. She named the kitten “Nong Laewan” (meaning “little ring”) because it is female. The official name will be “Wongwan,” fitting for the ring road bridge near her home.
She thanked everyone who helped rescue the kitten safely. The kitten is now adjusting to her new home. Once calm and socialized with other animals, she will be taken for a health check and vaccinations.