Pichet Kunathammaraks, the Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, disclosed the findings during an interview on Channel 9. He stated that the locomotive’s black box recorded the train traveling at a speed of 35 kilometers per hour at the moment of impact. Despite the driver activating the emergency brake as soon as the hazard was spotted, the sheer momentum of the freight train meant the collision could not be avoided within that short distance.

“The black box records show the train was traveling at 35 kilometers per hour when it collided with the bus,” Pichet explained during the interview. “The driver did apply the Emergency Brake 100 meters before the point of impact. However, halting a train—especially a container transport train weighing thousands of tons—requires a braking distance of nearly two kilometers. Therefore, it was impossible to stop the train in time.”

Furthermore, Pichet clarified the status of the railway infrastructure at the scene, addressing speculation regarding system failures. He confirmed that the railway signaling system was operating normally at the time of the incident. However, he noted that the physical crossing barrier failed to lower to block incoming road traffic. While the train driver attempted to stop upon noticing the obstacle, the realization occurred too late given the physics of the heavy machinery.

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The directive, issued on May 17, 2026, mandates that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) implement a Zero Tolerance policy. Under this new rule, all operating staff, including train drivers, traffic controllers, and ground personnel such as track switchers and crossing keepers, must undergo strict screening before starting every shift. DRT Director-General Pichet Kunathammaraks emphasized that the measure aims to restore public confidence and guarantee the highest safety standards for both rail passengers and road users.

Regarding the specific incident, the driver of the cargo train, identified as Sayomporn Sonkul, was found to be operating without a valid rail personnel license from the DRT. Following the discovery, the driver was immediately suspended from duty. Mr. Kunathammaraks confirmed that the SRT has been ordered to launch a severe disciplinary investigation and pursue maximum legal action against the driver and the crossing guards involved. Furthermore, an in-depth probe will examine how supervisors permitted an impaired employee to operate a locomotive.

The enforcement aligns with existing legal frameworks aimed at ensuring transport safety. Mr. Kunathammaraks cited Section 90 of the Rail Transport Act B.E. 2568 (2025), stating:

“In cases where there is reason to believe that any duty officer has substances in their body resulting from the consumption of alcohol, other intoxicants, narcotics, or psychotropic substances, rail transport inspectors are authorized to test or order a test to determine the presence of such substances. The methods of testing shall comply with the rules and procedures prescribed in the regulations announced by the Director-General.”

The DRT is currently in the process of finalizing and issuing the official regulations to fully enforce this law. The department reiterated its commitment to preventing similar tragedies and ensuring accountability across all levels of rail operations.

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The incident took place at 3:35 PM on May 16, 2026, at the Asoke-Dindaeng level crossing between Khlong Tan and Makkasan stations. Freight train No. 2126, traveling from Laem Chabang to Bang Sue Junction, collided with a Route 206 public bus. Preliminary reports indicate the bus was stranded on the tracks due to a red traffic light at the Asoke-Phetchaburi intersection, preventing the automatic railway barrier from lowering properly. Because the train was heavily loaded with cargo containers, it was unable to stop in time to avoid the impact.

Following the crash, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat immediately inspected the scene and ordered relevant agencies to expedite rescue operations. He provided an official update regarding the casualties and emergency response.

“Initially, I received reports of eight fatalities and approximately 25 injuries. The injured individuals are currently being distributed to various hospitals for medical treatment. The BMTA will fully take care of the victims, while we await a definitive conclusion on the cause from officials,” Siripong stated.

The fire and subsequent explosions generated dense smoke that rose to cover the platforms of the Airport Rail Link (ARL) Makkasan Station located directly above the crash site. For passenger safety, the station was temporarily closed, and trains skipped Makkasan without stopping. Firefighters brought the blaze under control, allowing the ARL Makkasan Station to resume normal operations at 4:35 PM.

Pichet Kunathammaraks, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), also led a team of experts to the site to investigate the facts alongside related agencies. He instructed the SRT to fully cooperate with law enforcement officials in gathering evidence and investigating the exact cause of the crash. The Ministry of Transport and the DRT have jointly ordered the SRT to conduct an official accident investigation at this specific level crossing to implement urgent preventive measures.

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