Bangkok-
A Bangkok court has approved temporary release on bail for the freight train driver and the railway crossing operator implicated in the tragic May 16th collision at the Makkasan level crossing on Asok-Din Daeng Road, which killed eight people and injured more than 30 others. The bus driver who miraculously survived is also charged but remains in a hospital.
This comes as many more questions arise and the investigation expands, with more people facing questioning and potential charges.
The Criminal Court set bail at 100,000 baht each for the two suspects, identified in Thai media reports as 46-year-old train driver Sayomporn and crossing operator Uthen. Makkasan Police had sought their initial detention after charging them with negligence causing death and serious injury. Both men denied the allegations during proceedings.
The crash occurred in the afternoon when a freight train (reported as No. 2126) slammed into a public bus (Route 206) that was stopped or stranded on the tracks amid heavy traffic near the Airport Rail Link’s Makkasan station. The impact sparked a fire that engulfed the bus and dragged several other vehicles along the rails.
Police investigations point to multiple contributing factors: The crossing operator allegedly failed to properly lower the barriers or issue adequate warnings for the approaching train. Authorities have also scrutinized the train driver, who tested positive for methamphetamine and cannabis in preliminary screenings, admitted to prior drug use, and reportedly had a 2019 narcotics case.
Furthermore, he allegedly lacked a valid rail transport license according to some reports. CCTV footage under review has raised questions about whether he was visible at the controls in the moments before impact, which has now pulled the mechanic/assistant into the investigation as he was reportedly present in the control area. Some media have even questioned why the train driver appeared to be wearing regular clothes during the accident and looking disheveled, even getting a haircut before turning himself into police in proper uniform later, with critics saying this was done to improve his image versus show the reality at the time of the accident.
Investigators have indicated that the bus driver, who miraculously survived but remains hospitalized with injuries including burns, is also expected to face negligence charges once medically fit for questioning. Police have described the incident as resulting from combined lapses by the train driver, bus driver, and crossing staff.
The probe remains active, with authorities planning to interview over 30 witnesses, analyze forensic evidence, review black box data from the train, and examine additional CCTV. Police initially opposed bail, citing concerns over potential witness interference, but the court approved the releases.
The accident has intensified public scrutiny over safety at Thailand’s numerous level crossings, many of which lack full barriers or automated systems. In response, authorities have ordered safety audits, enhanced staffing at crossings, and reviews of traffic management. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) have pledged full cooperation with the investigation and maximum compensation for victims’ families (up to 1.5 million baht per fatality in initial payouts) and the injured.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
