Wooden bridge of Kanchanaburi reopens

The second longest wood bridge in the world, Saphan Mon in Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province, reopens last weekend after repairs, having been damaged by the flood season. The longest wooden bridge is also located in Southeast Asia: The U Bein Bridge in Myanmar.

Locals add finishing touch to Mon bridge
Bangkok Post, 12 October 2014

Thousands join celebration on reopening of ‘Saphan Mon’ wooden bridge
National News Bureau of Thailand, 18 October 2014

Mr. Wanchai Osukonthip, Governor of Kanchanaburi this morning joined more than 3,000 people comprising local administrative officers, soldiers of the 9th Infantry Division, provincial people and visitors at a merit making ceremony to mark the reopening of the Auttamanusorn Wooden Bridge, better known as Saphan Mon, in Sangkhla Buri District.

The bridge was badly damaged by floods and run-off in July 2013, after which repair works was carried out mostly with the help of soldiers from the 9th Infantry Division and locals of Mon descent in the district.

At the celebration, participants gave alms to monks on the wooden bridge. They also took part in a bicycle ride and mini-marathon from one side to the other side of the bridge.

The Auttamanusorn Bridge, or Sapan Mon, is the longest wooden bridge in Thailand with 850 meters in length. It is also the world’s second longest wooden bridge after Myanmar’s U-Bein Bridge. Due to its length, the bridge becomes a popular tourist destination of Kanchanaburi.

Full story here.