His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn will preside over the inauguration ceremony of the Rama X Bridge, officially named “Saphan Thotsamarachan,” on December 14, according to the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat). The event will mark the completion of the state-of-the-art cable-stayed bridge, a key component of Bangkok’s expanding transport infrastructure.
The bridge is part of an 18.7-kilometer elevated expressway that connects the Rama III-Dao Khanong expressway with Bangkok’s Western Beltway, facilitating better connectivity between Chaloem Maha Nakhon and Si Rat expressway systems. Spanning the Chao Phraya River, the bridge links Rat Burana district on the Thonburi side to Yannawa district on the Bangkok side, running parallel to the existing Rama IX Bridge.
Standing out for its engineering marvels, the bridge features a mid-span of 450 meters, making it the widest in Thailand. The eight-lane structure is designed to withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes and storms with speeds of up to 270 kilometers per hour. Once operational, it will accommodate up to 150,000 vehicles daily, significantly easing traffic congestion in the area.
Exat Governor Surachet Laophulsuk emphasized the bridge’s symbolic design, which pays tribute to His Majesty the King. Sculptures of a golden yellow Naga on four pillars represent the King’s birth year, while the Yellow Starflower, a tree associated with King Rama X, adorns the bridge fences.
The bridge has been open to pedestrians for sightseeing and walking since early 2024, offering a preview of the spectacular design. However, vehicular traffic was delayed due to the incomplete construction of the vehicle entrance, which is now finalized. The bridge is expected to open to vehicles by late December or early January 2025.
Following the launch of the Rama X Bridge, the adjacent Rama IX Bridge will undergo its first major restoration in nearly 40 years. The renovation, scheduled to take a year, underscores ongoing efforts to modernize Bangkok’s transportation network.
A celebratory event honoring His Majesty the King will accompany the inauguration on December 14. Officials, including Governor Surachet, have expressed enthusiasm about the bridge’s potential to enhance mobility and support Bangkok’s urban development.
