Bangkok: "Pipat," the Minister of Transport, has ordered the dismissal of a train driver who tested positive for drugs and has approved compensation for victims amounting to 2.09 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, the directive came from Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, following a train accident at the Asoke-Din Daeng intersection. The minister has instructed relevant agencies to expedite compensation efforts for those affected. State Railway of Thailand (SRT) officials have also clarified the licensing requirements for train drivers under the new Rail Transport Act.
In the wake of the accident, Mr. Pipat emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and the implementation of preventive measures to avert future incidents. He stressed the importance of enhancing rail system safety standards, managing railway crossings effectively, and ensuring robust collaboration among related agencies.
The Ministry of Transport has introduced additional measures, including restricting freight train operations to nighttime hours and suspending crude oil transportation, unless deemed necessary upon further review by the ministry. Moreover, the SRT has been tasked with devising a new plan for long-distance and suburban train routes in Bangkok, focusing on safety and traffic congestion mitigation.
For the victims, compensation has been set with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and SRT providing a total of 2,090,000 baht per person in case of fatalities. Injured victims will receive compensation ranging from 130,000 to 1,000,000 baht, depending on the extent of damage and medical costs incurred.
The SRT has also addressed questions about train driver licensing under the Rail Transport Act B.E. 2568 (2025), which mandates licenses for personnel involved in rail operations. The SRT has submitted the required data for its 951 train drivers, with 208 already receiving their licenses. The rest are undergoing verification by the Department of Rail Transport.
The investigation into the train driver of train 2126, involved in a collision with bus 206, revealed drug use, constituting a serious disciplinary offense. This has led to his suspension pending further investigation. Other personnel involved have been reassigned temporarily.
A central committee is currently investigating the accident, with findings expected by May 20, 2026. The SRT has pledged to take appropriate disciplinary actions based on the results. Concurrently, police are conducting a criminal investigation.
The Department of Rail Transport has also mandated urgent drug and alcohol screenings for rail transport personnel, ensuring rail safety and public protection.