Bangkok: The identification of the eighth and final victim of the train-bus collision is nearing its conclusion. Investigators from Makkasan Police Station have been working diligently, and now only the forensic examination results remain.
According to Thai News Agency, the timeline has been released to track down the last victim of the collision between freight train No. 2126 (Laem Chabang Port - Bang Sue route) and bus No. 206 between Khlong Tan and Makkasan stations (at the level crossing between Asoke and Din Daeng intersection) on May 16, 2026. Efforts began on May 20, 1969, when a colleague of the missing person reported to Police Lieutenant Jarupat Buakaew that their colleague, Mr. Sermlap Pinthong, had gone missing. Notably responsible and never absent from work, Mr. Sermlap's absence was unusual, prompting Lieutenant Jarupat to pursue the matter immediately.
Lieutenant Jarupat received additional information when a colleague of Mr. Sermlap collected camera footage from his house, which matched images posted by a passenger from the incident. Efforts to reach Mr. Sermlap's family for DNA testing were initially thwarted due to the passing of his immediate family members. Lieutenant Jarupat, however, sought assistance from the forensic department and aimed to gather items from Mr. Sermlap's residence for DNA comparison.
On May 21, 2069, Lieutenant Jarupat coordinated with forensic teams and Mr. Sermlap's colleagues to collect items for examination. Despite reaching out to potential male relatives, initial inquiries were met with uncertainty due to the dispersion of the family across different provinces. Eventually, Lieutenant Jarupat identified Mr. Pairat Pinthong, a cousin residing in Chonburi, who was contacted for DNA testing.
Mr. Pairat initially hesitated due to work commitments but agreed to participate after Lieutenant Jarupat offered to cover travel expenses. On May 23, 2069, Mr. Pairat filed a police report and underwent DNA testing at the Forensic Medicine Department of the Police Hospital.
"We are currently awaiting results from the forensic examination," concluded the report from Thai News Agency, as the search for closure continues for the families affected by this tragic incident.