Bangkok: The Department of Highways has addressed concerns regarding the "fire at the Bhumibol Bridge piers," assuring the public that the bridge structure remains safe.

According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Rural Roads has provided clarification on the information circulating on social media about the fire incident. The reports included various claims from crane operators and mentioned issues such as parental responsibility, child restraint, and an estimated damage of approximately 15 million baht. It was also claimed that the cost of renting a 30-ton crane was 13,000 baht per day, and about two-thirds of the concrete reinforcement beneath the bridge pier was damaged.

The Department of Rural Roads emphasized that these claims are based on hearsay and have not been officially verified by the relevant agencies. Initial engineering inspections have shown that the damage to the bridge pier was limited to the surface, which was burned. Once the damaged surface layer was removed, it was found that the inner concrete retained its designed compressive strength, ensuring the stability and usability of the bridge without compromising public safety. Legal proceedings against those responsible are ongoing, although no specific details have been disclosed. The department also noted that the reported damage and repair costs are exaggerated, and a detailed assessment is in progress to determine the actual figures. Repairs will be conducted according to engineering standards once the assessment is complete.

The Department of Rural Roads advises the public to rely on information from official government sources to avoid misunderstandings and confirms that further updates will be provided as soon as more information is available.