Closure of Charan Sanitwong Road Flyover

Motorists are facing significant delays as the flyover crossing Charan Sanitwong Road in the Bangkok Noi district has been closed since 10 PM on Monday. This closure is part of the ongoing construction for the Orange Line electric railway system, specifically for the Bang Khun Non underground station.

Details of the Construction Project

According to Kittikorn Tanpao, Deputy Governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA), the closure will last for at least two years to facilitate construction work. The underground station will be located beneath the intersection where Charan Sanitwong Road crosses Liap Thang Rotfai Taling Chan Road and Sutthawat Road. Reconstruction of the flyover is scheduled to begin in December 2026, with completion expected by June 2028.

Traffic Management and Alternative Routes

During this closure, only one inbound and one outbound lane will remain open on both Liap Thang Rotfai Taling Chan Road and Sutthawat Road. To mitigate traffic congestion, the MRTA has provided alternative routes for motorists.

Suggested Routes for Travelers

• To Siriraj Hospital from Ratchapruek Road: Motorists can take Borommaratchachonnani Road, continue to Somdet Phra Pin Klao Road, and then turn onto Arun Amarin Road.
• Alternatively, they can use Phran Nok–Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road, followed by Phran Nok Road and then Wang Lang Road to reach their destination.

For those heading to Siriraj Hospital from Liap Thang Rotfai Taling Chan Road, they can turn onto Chim Phli Road, then to Kaeo Ngoen Thong and Soi Charan Sanitwong 35, eventually reaching Wang Lang Road.

Commitment to Public Safety

The MRTA has assured the public that it is committed to minimizing environmental and traffic impacts during this construction phase. The agency is working diligently to ensure that safety protocols are followed while maintaining access for motorists.

Navigating Traffic Disruptions

As Bangkok undergoes significant infrastructure improvements with the Orange Line project, motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly to avoid delays. The temporary closure of the Charan Sanitwong flyover highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance public transportation in the city while managing traffic flow effectively.

Education Ministry’s Initiative to Enhance Learning Accessibility

The Thai Education Ministry has announced an ambitious plan to distribute tablets to approximately 600,000 high school students by June 2025. This initiative aims to provide students with the tools they need to learn anytime and anywhere, promoting educational equity across the country.

Details of the Tablet Distribution Plan

Siripong Angkasakulkiat, an assistant to the education minister and ministry spokesman, shared that the tablets are part of a broader effort to reduce educational inequality. The ministry is currently drafting the terms of reference (ToR) for procurement, focusing on ensuring the functionality and effectiveness of the devices. The ToR is expected to be finalized this month, allowing for delivery to commence by late May or early June, coinciding with the start of the 2025 academic year.

Expansion Plans for Future Fiscal Years

Looking ahead, Mr. Siripong indicated that in the 2026 fiscal year, the program will expand to include additional groups of students. This will encompass junior high students at schools where staff will be familiar with managing such devices by that time, as well as all remaining high school students.

Content Development and Device Leasing

The content that will be included in the tablets was developed during the 2024 fiscal year and is set for trial this month. The tablets will be leased by the Education Ministry, ensuring that students have access to up-to-date educational materials.

A Step Towards Modernizing Education

This initiative marks a significant step towards modernizing education in Thailand and addressing disparities in access to learning resources. By equipping students with tablets, the Education Ministry aims to empower them in their educational journeys and prepare them for a digitally-driven future. As this program unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its implementation and impact on student learning outcomes across the nation.