A strong flash flood damaged the central pier of the Bailey bridge, reducing its load capacity. Authorities have warned that vehicles weighing over 21 tons are strictly prohibited from crossing following flash floods along Highway 108 between Mae La Noi and Mae Hong Son.
On 11 May 2026, reports stated that at 20:00 on 10 May, heavy rain fell over the Mae La Luang headwaters in Mae La Noi District, Mae Hong Son Province. This caused a large volume of flash floodwaters to flow into the Mae Tho and Mae La Luang rivers, increasing the swift current which struck and broke the central pier of the temporary Bailey bridge near Ban Mae La Luang, Mae La Luang Subdistrict, at km 240 on Highway 108.
Officials from Bridge Construction and Restoration Center No. 1 in Phichit Province immediately inspected and assessed the bridge's stability. Preliminary findings show the bridge's load capacity has decreased. For safety, the public is strictly requested not to use the bridge if their vehicle weighs over 21 tons. Cars, vans, small trucks, and vehicles weighing 21 tons or less may still cross but must do so with caution.
Currently, the Mae La Noi Highway District Office, in collaboration with Mae La Luang Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Mae La Luang Police Station, Mae La Noi District authorities, and local village leaders, have deployed personnel to manage traffic on both ends of the bridge. Warning signs and rubber cones have been installed to ensure public safety tonight.