Bangkok, Thailand
Thai authorities have confirmed that the driver of a freight train involved in a catastrophic collision with a public bus on May 16th, 2026, tested positive for illegal substances, with urine reportedly turning purple during screening, a common indicator in local drug tests. Early reports indicate the presence of cannabis and methamphetamine.
The accident occurred around 3:40 p.m. at a level crossing on Asok-Din Daeng Road near Makkasan Station and the Airport Rail Link in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district. A State Railway of Thailand freight train (No. 2126, traveling from Chachoengsao/Laem Chabang toward Bang Sue) struck a Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) orange bus (Route 206) that was stranded across the tracks amid heavy traffic congestion.
The impact triggered a fierce fire that engulfed the bus and damaged nearby vehicles and motorcycles. As of the latest reports, at least eight people were killed, primarily bus passengers, with around 30-32 others injured.
Police at Makkasan Police Station announced that the train driver’s drug test returned positive. In contrast, the level crossing staff member tested negative.
The train driver has been charged with reckless driving causing death and injury. He sustained injuries in the crash and is receiving treatment.
Separately, on the evening of May 17th, police detained Mr. Uten (surname withheld), a railway operations employee responsible for the level crossing barriers. He was taken in for questioning and formally charged with reckless acts causing death and serious injury. CCTV footage reportedly showed him waving a red flag only briefly before lowering it, raising questions about whether proper warnings were sustained.
Witnesses and CCTV indicate the bus became stuck on the tracks due to traffic buildup, preventing the barriers from lowering fully. The crossing staff waved a red flag as a warning, but the train did not slow or stop in time, according to police analysis of footage. The train’s black box (event recorder) is being examined to determine speed and braking.
The bus driver also faces charges of reckless driving causing death; he survived despite early reports saying he was killed, but is injured and is still unconscious and unable to answer questions yet.
Prominent Thai officials have expressed condolences and ordered a full investigation into all parties, including the train operator, bus driver, and crossing staff. No one is being shielded, with focus on accountability based on evidence.
The incident has shown longstanding safety concerns at Bangkok’s level crossings, where traffic congestion frequently leads to vehicles stopping on or near tracks. Authorities are under pressure to review infrastructure, such as potential underpasses or improved signaling.
BMTA has pledged compensation of up to 1.5 million baht per deceased victim’s family. Rescue operations and identification of the dead continue.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
