Route 1314 temporarily closed in Mae Ai after ground subsidence threatens collapse into ravine, disrupting residents' travel

Highway 1314 in Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai province, has been temporarily closed after several days of heavy rain caused the roadside to subside. Emergency officials assessed the area and determined there is an immediate risk that sections could collapse into a ravine. The closure affects cars and trucks, while related agencies are conducting patrols, safety assessments and additional preventive measures, and advising drivers on detour routes.

The incident followed continuous heavy rainfall across Mae Ai and neighboring districts, which saturated soil layers and triggered ground movement at multiple points. The Chiang Mai provincial highway office reported signs of shoulder collapse and landslides along some sections of the roadway, so authorities decided to suspend traffic temporarily for safety. Warning signs have been installed and engineering teams are being dispatched to inspect soil conditions and the road structure in detail.

The closure impacts local residents who rely on this road to reach markets, cargo ports and health services. It also affects transport of highland agricultural products—such as vegetables, fruit and seasonal crops—that are typically moved along this route to Chiang Mai city and nearby provinces. Some small transport operators reported they must use longer detour routes, increasing costs for fuel and travel time.

Local authorities, together with the Department of Highways, said they are urgently assessing risk. If any sections can be temporarily repaired and the shoulders reinforced to safely allow small vehicles through, they will proceed immediately. Permanent repairs, however, could take a long time and require substantial funding because work would likely include strengthening the subgrade, installing drainage systems and building retaining walls to prevent repeated subsidence.

Residents expressed concern about the road’s safety; some called on responsible agencies to survey the entire route and develop a long-term plan to prevent recurrence next rainy season. Many stressed that landslides and subsidence are recurring problems in mountainous areas and that without proper drainage systems and engineering work, severe damage could recur.

Road authorities said they will hold meetings with the provincial administrative organization, subdistrict municipalities and relevant agencies to prioritize repair work and, if necessary, request increased funding from the highway office. They also plan to issue guidance for residents, such as avoiding parking near road shoulders during heavy rain, minimizing travel on the road at night, and reporting any additional signs of subsidence so officials can inspect promptly.

For those planning to travel through Mae Ai at this time, authorities recommend using designated detours, avoiding the road during heavy rain or immediately after rainfall, and closely following announcements from the provincial governor or the Department of Highways. Officials warned that the road will only be reopened when it is deemed sufficiently safe, in order to prevent unexpected incidents and protect road users’ lives.