Bangkok: "Siripong" has announced that the Department of Rail Transport will take legal action against all vehicles crossing railway tracks in violation of traffic laws. Compensation has been approved for six victims of a recent train-bus collision, emphasizing an immediate need to tackle the issue rather than learning from past incidents.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, detailed the compensation plans for those affected by the train-bus collision on May 17th. Compensation has been approved for six out of the eight victims, with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) contributing 2,900,000 baht. An additional 300,000 baht is expected from the Rights Protection Fund, pending approval. Initial support and compensation have been provided to the injured, with further compensation for other victims in process.
The Department of Rail Transport intends to file complaints against the train driver for negligence and all vehicles parked on railway tracks for traffic violations. The Ministry of Transport has opted not to focus on lessons learned from the incident, choosing instead to address the problem urgently. Many unauthorized crossings lack adequate safety equipment, which is a pressing issue. Discussions with the Rail Technology Research and Development Institute (RTRI) are underway, with plans to use funds from the "Lucky License Plate Fund" to enhance railway crossing safety. A pilot program in Bangkok and surrounding areas will introduce complete safety measures and warning systems, potentially including automatic barriers and detection systems to decrease human error.
The State Railway of Thailand Employees' Union's suggestion to hire more management personnel is being considered. However, the belief is that technology can replace certain tasks. While staff reductions have occurred without new technology introductions, any necessary increases in personnel may involve a revised hiring model to prevent long-term financial commitments.