NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND – A traffic jam stretching more than 10 kilometers on the Mittraphap Road left several vehicles stranded after running out of fuel.
Traffic backs up on key northeastern route
According to a Thai report, congestion on the Mittraphap Road (Friendship Highway) extended for over ten kilometers. The highway, one of the main transport corridors in northeastern Thailand, was especially vulnerable to long tailbacks during periods of heavy travel.
The dense traffic significantly slowed the flow of vehicles along the route. Motorists faced prolonged delays with few immediate alternatives to bypass the affected section.
Vehicles stranded as fuel runs out
The report stated that several cars ran out of fuel while still in the middle of the congested stretch and were left stranded on the road. Such breakdowns further worsened the traffic jam, as blocked lanes reduced capacity and the traffic flow slowed even more.
The presence of stalled vehicles increased the risk of secondary incidents and forced other drivers to maneuver around them in already cramped conditions. The situation underscored how quickly an extended jam could escalate once fuel supplies were exhausted.
Heavy travel and bottlenecks likely behind long delays
The original source did not specify a single cause for the congestion on the Friendship Highway. However, it noted that long tailbacks on this route frequently occurred when travel volumes were high.
In addition to heavy travel, accidents, roadworks or physical bottlenecks on major highways could rapidly trigger multi‑kilometer delays when many vehicles were on the move at the same time. On such key routes, even minor disruptions sometimes had a disproportionate impact on journey times.
Heat, long waits and limited supplies pose risks
Extended standstills increased the likelihood that fuel would run low, especially when air conditioning remained on or when traffic moved only in stop‑and‑go patterns. In these conditions, drivers risked being caught with nearly empty tanks far from the next service area.
For travelers, limited options to leave the highway, constrained access to drinking water and the strain of heat could develop into a safety concern. Long waits in hot vehicles, particularly for vulnerable passengers, carried additional health and comfort risks.
What drivers in Thailand should keep in mind
Motorists on heavily used long‑distance roads were advised to check their fuel level early and refill before entering extended stretches. Planning ahead could reduce the chance of becoming stranded during sudden traffic jams.
The report also highlighted the importance of carrying enough drinking water in the vehicle, maintaining a charged mobile phone and allowing extra time in case of delays. Such preparation helped drivers cope better with unexpected congestion and prolonged heat exposure.
“Source: Khaosod Thai.”
said Khaosod Thai, news outlet.