The Transport Ministry reviewed the train collision with bus line 206 and proposed the Cabinet expedite installation of ATP and AI systems to control railway crossings, starting with Makkasan to be completed within six months, aiming to reduce human errors and enhance maximum safety.
Mr. Jirapong Theppitak, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, As chairman of the fact-finding committee on the train collision with bus line 206 at the Makkasan railway crossing on Asok-Din Daeng Road, he revealed that the Ministry of Transport is moving forward with measures to prevent future accidents by focusing on closing management system gaps at railway crossings found in this incident. They are pushing for the adoption of Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and intelligent technology to control traffic and train operations to reduce risks from relying solely on personnel.
The committee’s work is divided into two main parts: fact-finding to determine the cause of the accident and establishing prevention measures to avoid recurrence. Some factual details are still under in-depth investigation by police and related agencies. However, the Ministry has already reported to Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport. Legal proceedings will continue according to police protocols.
An urgent measure already underway is tightening coordination among the State Railway of Thailand, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and Metropolitan Police Command at 19 railway crossings in Bangkok. Officials have exchanged communication channels and coordinate closely to respond quickly and prevent repeat accidents. Joint emergency drills between police and signal control staff have also been arranged to review procedures and improve readiness.
Field inspections found the current railway crossing management system relies on a single control staff responsible for several steps: detecting incoming trains, activating warning signals, lowering barriers, and allowing train passage. With increasingly complex traffic, relying on one person for multiple tasks risks errors.
Mr. Jirapong said the Ministry plans to propose that the State Railway of Thailand accelerate installation of ATP and intelligent systems at railway crossings. These systems use train detection and link to traffic lights at intersections. When a train approaches, the system automatically controls green and red lights to manage vehicle movement systematically and reduce the chance of vehicles stalling on the tracks.
“Using ATP is preferable to relying on one person to handle many tasks because traffic conditions are more complex now. Automation will enhance safety and reduce risks from human error,” Mr. Jirapong said.
For medium-term efforts, Bangkok will collaborate with the State Railway of Thailand to develop ATP systems capable of linking data with traffic signals ahead of railway crossings. This will manage vehicle volume entering the area to prevent congestion when trains pass, reducing traffic jams and accident risks.
Bangkok confirms readiness to work with the State Railway of Thailand. Regardless of which side installs the system first, they must be able to connect and synchronize data to ensure unified operation and maximum efficiency.
For urgent measures, the Ministry has ordered the State Railway of Thailand, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and Metropolitan Police Command to integrate operations strictly at all 19 railway crossings across Bangkok. Joint emergency drills between police and signal control staff will enhance readiness for emergencies.
Medium term (Within 6 months to 2 years): Accelerate ATP installation, especially at the Asok-Phetchaburi crossing (the accident site), targeting completion within six months or by the end of this year. The Department of Rail Transport is assigned to assess risks to extend to other crossings. Bangkok confirms readiness to synchronize traffic signal data ahead with the State Railway of Thailand’s system to manage vehicle accumulation and prevent blocking tracks.
Long term The goal is to reduce the number of railway crossings in urban areas by replacing them with overpasses or underpasses, aligning with future double-track railway development plans.
Mr. Jirapong said all meeting results and proposals will be compiled and submitted to Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, before being presented to the Cabinet as directed by the Prime Minister. These will establish national-level measures to improve safety at railway crossings and promote the adoption of ATP and intelligent technologies to replace personnel-dependent operations, reducing risks and preventing future accidents.
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