A rider filed a complaint with the 'Sai Mai Must Survive' group after being named a co-defendant in the Makkasan intersection train-bus collision case, facing charges of negligence and drug use. The rider fears this could affect his future life. Police stated they will first verify the information before proceeding further.
On 14 Aug 2021 GMT+7, Aman Lomae, 31, a victim of the earlier train-bus collision at Makkasan intersection—which resulted in multiple injuries and fatalities—requested justice from Ekaphop Luangprasert, founder of the 'Sai Mai Must Survive' page. Aman was summoned for questioning as a victim but was instead charged and named a defendant in the case.
Aman explained he is a delivery rider. On the day of the incident, he was transporting a customer from the Ratchada area to Chulalongkorn University. At Makkasan intersection, traffic was congested with many vehicles stopped. The railway barrier had not lowered and no train signals were heard, so he stopped on the yellow line to clear the tracks. Shortly after, a train collided with a bus, which then struck other vehicles and several motorcycles ahead, including his. His motorcycle was damaged, and both he and his passenger suffered minor injuries. Afterward, he took the passenger to Rama 9 Hospital, but since treatment was unavailable there, they went to another hospital. He then filed a police report and gave a statement as a victim. He also brought the passenger to testify as requested by police. Due to motorcycle damage, his insurer compensated him 31,000 baht, which he used as a down payment for a new bike.
In July, Aman was notified to meet prosecutors and was informed he was being prosecuted alongside six others involved, including the bus driver, train driver, flagman, pickup truck driver, and a motorcyclist. He was unaware of being named a defendant until then. He had to prepare bail money but was unable to secure bail in time and was detained in jail for one night.
Aman added his main concern is the charges listed against him. Beyond negligence causing injury and obstructing railway traffic, he is also accused of illegal methamphetamine use—a charge he denies, stating he has never used or been involved with drugs. He is not responsible for the train-bus collision, and none of his passengers died, so he does not understand why he is linked to death and drug-related charges. Being prosecuted and recorded with drug charges could affect his career prospects, as he is a daily wage earner supporting his family and children.
Ekaphop said that initial reviews and video footage show the rider stopped on the yellow line—a prohibited area for stopping. If an accident occurs causing passenger injury, negligence and obstruction of the railway could be relevant, which is explainable by facts. However, the key issue to clarify is why the rider is charged alongside others with death-related and drug charges, as this could impact his record and future employment.
Pol. Col. Uramphon Khundechsamrit, chief of Makkasan Police Station, said he needs to verify the information first. The case file is currently with prosecutors. A name appearing as a defendant may reflect the case's circumstances included in the indictment but does not mean the person faces all the charges like other defendants. Without evidence confirming drug use, each charge must be examined individually based on facts and evidence.
Since the case is under prosecutor review and already filed with the court, officers advise Aman to contact the prosecuting attorney directly to clarify which charges are formally brought against him and which relate only to other defendants’ circumstances. Regarding concerns about a criminal record, being named a defendant does not automatically mean conviction or a criminal record. The case must proceed through the court process, and if acquitted, no punishment or criminal record applies.