Today is the first day after the State Railway of Thailand coordinated with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) to conduct urine tests on 120 train drivers, engine technicians, and all personnel involved in train operations at Bang Sue Central Station, with plans to carry out daily testing nationwide to prevent employees from using drugs.Train driversand plans to continue further questioning of those involved in the train-bus collision.
Anan Phonimdaeng, Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), revealed updates on the investigation into the train collision with a public bus at the railway crossing near Makkasan that additional testimonies are still being gathered. The process is expected to conclude by the evening of 19 May 2026, after which the findings will be compiled and submitted to SRT management for review. If no information is missing, the report will be forwarded promptly to the Ministry of Transport, related agencies, and the police investigators.
“Regarding legal proceedings, once SRT finalizes the investigation, the organizational process will be complete. However, if the Department of Rail Transport or police investigators require additional information, SRT is ready to provide further data to the investigation committee and officials. Meanwhile, compensation efforts for affected parties continue concurrently, with the primary measures already implemented yesterday.”Mr. Anansaid.
Mr. Anan also stated that 19 May 2026 marks the first day of strict pre-duty testing measures for employees under the Department of Rail Transport's order issued on 17 May. SRT has coordinated with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) to deploy officers totestfor narcotics among employees whoperformduties on trains providing rail services, includingtrain drivers and engine technicians at Bangkok's Bang Sue Grand Station. This testing involves over 120 personnel, with results to be reported to the Department of Rail Transport within 24 hours as required.In cases where urine samples show a purple color or contain narcotics, a confirmatory test by SRT doctors will be conducted since the initial screening cannot precisely identify the substance. If abnormalities are detected—whether alcohol or drugs—even at a preliminary level, the employee will not be permitted to operate trains immediately. A replacement crew will be assigned to take over duties.
However,
,currently,SRT has 971 registered train drivers with the Department of Rail Transport distributed across various regions. Specifically, Bang Sue Grand Station has a workforce of 270. Similarly, personnel in other provinces will also undergo daily narcotics testing.
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