Bangkok: The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) mobilized 200 personnel to restore electricity in Bang Pu after 70 power poles collapsed. The incident occurred when a trailer truck damaged telecommunication cables, causing a widespread power outage along Sukhumvit Road, affecting areas from the TJC side street to the Bang Pu Industrial Estate entrance, a distance of approximately 1.5 kilometers.
According to Thai News Agency, the disruption began around 2:00 AM on January 30, 2026, when a container truck struck communication cables while turning into a side street, leading to the collapse of the poles. MEA reported that the mobilized personnel worked diligently to address the issue, including removing the fallen poles that obstructed traffic. By 10:30 AM, traffic obstructions were cleared, and power was restored to most nearby areas, with exceptions being Bang Pu Municipality Soi 73 and the Bang Pu Industrial Estate housing project. MEA aims to fully restore power by midnight.
MEA stated that a special task force was dispatched to assess the situation and implement a power system restoration plan. The team adjusted circuits to restore power to some areas and mobilized operational teams from other districts to expedite the installation of new power poles and replacement lines. During the operation, MEA announced that one traffic lane in the affected area would be closed to facilitate the work, expressing apologies for any inconvenience caused. They urged the public to report unsafe electrical equipment to the MEA Call Center or via the MEA Smart Life application.
Further legal information indicates that driving into and knocking down a power pole carries penalties and liability for damages. It constitutes a criminal offense, with penalties under the Criminal Code, Section 360, including imprisonment of up to 5 years or fines up to 10,000 baht. Under the Land Traffic Act, reckless driving resulting in damage to government property is punishable by fines ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 baht. Civil damages require the driver to compensate the MEA for actual costs, which vary depending on the type of power poles and additional equipment involved.