Transport
Residents Urge Urgent Repairs on Mae Rim-Samoeng Highway Detour
Local residents are calling for immediate improvements to a hazardous detour on Highway 1096, citing safety concerns due to deep potholes and heavy traffic.
According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand on August 22, 2026, residents and motorists are expressing significant safety concerns regarding a temporary detour on Highway 1096 (Mae Rim-Samoeng route). The road surface has been riddled with potholes and uneven terrain for nearly three weeks, making travel difficult, particularly for small vehicles.
This route is a critical mountain descent frequently used by heavy trucks and container trailers. Locals warn that the combination of poor road conditions and sudden traffic congestion on a downhill slope creates a high risk of serious accidents. While temporary fixes using crushed stone have been attempted, the rainy season has quickly washed these repairs away, leaving the road in a degraded state.
For travelers and residents, this situation poses a notable safety risk. Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating this section, as the road surface remains unstable. Residents are urging the Department of Highways and relevant contractors to deploy proper machinery to grade and compact the surface to ensure it is safe for transit while construction continues. As of now, it remains to be confirmed when official authorities will initiate a more permanent or durable repair to address these ongoing safety hazards.