The government has ordered a follow-up on the Doi Luang tunnel collapse. Deputy Transport Minister Pattharaphong urgently traveled to Chiang Rai to express condolences to the bereaved, offer support to the injured and officials, and accelerate a thorough investigation of all causes. If negligence is found, legal action will be pursued to the fullest extent.
22 June 2026 GMT+7 Ms. Lalida Pertwiwatana, Deputy Government Spokesperson, stated that the government under the leadership of . . . Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul places the highest priority on the safety of citizens and workers involved in the country’s infrastructure construction projects. The government has closely monitored the collapse of the Doi Luang tunnel wall in the Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong double-track railway project in Chiang Rai province, which resulted in fatalities and injuries. Authorities have been instructed to promptly and thoroughly verify all facts and provide full assistance to those affected.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson added that Deputy Transport Minister Pattharaphong Pattharaprasit has urgently traveled to Chiang Rai to monitor the situation, receive factual reports, and review progress of relevant agencies. Provincial executives, transport officials, and the project’s engineering team provided technical data and details of the accident site. Pattharaphong expressed deep condolences for the loss, extended sympathies to the families of the deceased, and sent support to the injured and all personnel working at the site. He affirmed the government’s commitment to fully care for those affected, including medical treatment, compensation, and legal benefits.
Currently, related agencies are collecting evidence and conducting a detailed investigation into the causes of the incident, considering engineering, construction, geological conditions, and operational procedures at every step. The aim is to reach a correct, transparent conclusion that will prevent similar accidents in the future. The Deputy Transport Minister has also directed all high-risk construction projects to intensify safety measures, especially in assessing rock and site conditions before tunnel drilling or concrete reinforcement, to prevent accidents and reduce risks to workers’ lives.
“The government will not neglect this incident. The investigation will be conducted straightforwardly, and if any negligence, carelessness, or safety standard violations by involved parties are found, legal action will be taken to the fullest extent to restore public confidence and raise safety standards in national infrastructure projects.”
Ms. Lalida further revealed that the Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong double-track railway project is a key development for the northern transportation network, linking travel, trade, and investment across the country. The government affirms it will continue to develop infrastructure while simultaneously raising safety standards in all aspects to ensure sustainable benefits for the people and the nation.