Dr. Samart Warns of Truck Collision Risk at Bangkok's Phaya Thai Intersection, Urges Maintenance of Safety Barriers
[Bangkok, Thailand - Friday, May 10, 2024] Dr. Samart Ratchapolsit, former deputy leader of the Democrat Party and former deputy governor of Bangkok, expressed grave concern on his Facebook page regarding the risk of a truck colliding with a BTS Skytrain beam at the Phaya Thai intersection.
Dr. Samart highlighted a recent incident where a truck struck the steel guardrail before the Phaya Thai Intersection bridge. He emphasized that without the BTS beam guard at the bridge's base, the truck could have caused catastrophic damage, potentially leading to significant casualties.
He noted that this isn't an isolated incident. Similar accidents have occurred numerous times since 2017. Dr. Samart recalled that during his tenure as Deputy Governor of Bangkok, he took proactive measures to install large, robust inverted U-shaped steel barriers at the bridge's foot. These barriers have proven effective in preventing trucks from passing onto the bridge and colliding with the BTS beam.
Dr. Samart warns that such accidents are likely to continue and urges both drivers and Bangkok authorities to take precautions. He stresses that trucks over a certain height should be strictly prohibited from crossing the bridge. He also calls on Bangkok to ensure the ongoing maintenance of the U-shaped steel barriers to guarantee their strength and effectiveness.
In closing, Dr. Samart emphasizes that similar safety measures should be implemented wherever bridges pass close to elevated roads and train tracks. He underscores the importance of preventing "cow lost from the pen" scenarios - meaning taking action before a disaster strikes. His primary objective is to avoid a "major tragedy" occurring at Phaya Thai or other intersections throughout the city.
Mr. Piyapong Jitjamnong, Senior Executive Vice President of Brand Management for KFC under the Central Restaurants Group Co., Ltd., revealed plans to open KFC kiosks without seating this year. Currently, the company is considering opening these kiosks at BTS or MRT stations, as well as in various community transport areas. They expect to have at least one branch operational this year, occupying a space of 55-60 square meters compared to the usual 200-250 square meters for standard branches. The menu at these kiosks will not be 100% complete like the dine-in restaurants due to the unique locations. This initiative is seen as an opportunity since these areas lack competitors and have high daily foot traffic.
Simultaneously, KFC plans to increase branches in secondary cities. Some new branches have already been opened in locations such as Panchakiri in Khon Kaen, Chom Bueng in Ratchaburi, Buntharik in Ubon Ratchathani, and Phon Phisai in Nong Khai. They plan to invest 300-400 million baht to open 23 new branches this year, following the 25 branches opened in 2023, and also to renovate 35 existing branches. Currently, KFC under CRG operates 338 branches. Recently, the Central Ladprao branch was renovated, marking the first KFC branch in Thailand to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a retro theme, using white and red colors and decorated with old Bangkok building images in a 90s style.
For the fast food market overall, growth is expected to be only 3% this year, reaching a value of 45 billion baht. This is due to limited expansion by other restaurant chains and the sluggish economy. The fried chicken market, currently valued at 21-22 billion baht, is expected to grow by 5-6% this year. Presently, there are three KFC franchise holders in Thailand, with CRG's KFC achieving total sales of over 7.05 billion baht last year.
Source: Daily News, June 6, 2024 (Afternoon Edition)
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