The family sorrowfully received the body of "Aunt Eang," one of the victims of the "train-bus collision," holding a ceremony at the temple. The BMTA director traveled to attend the event, emphasizing strict safety protocols. The son expressed sadness, hoping his mother's loss would be the last case.
Update on the accident involving a train colliding with bus route 206 near Asoke-Din Daeng intersection, which caused a fire resulting in 8 deaths and many injuries on 16 May 2026.
At 17:30 on 19 May 2026, at Nam Daeng Temple, Bang Kaeo Subdistrict, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province, Ruamkatanyu Foundation officials brought the body of Mrs. Euang, or Aunt Eang, Manojam, aged 66, one of the deceased from the accident, from the forensic institute at the Police Hospital to the temple.
Dr. Kittikan Chomduang Jaruwarapolkul, BMTA director, along with BMTA staff and several officials from the State Railway of Thailand, lined up to receive Aunt Eang's body to pay their respects. Meanwhile, her son and family wept as they embraced the coffin containing Aunt Eang's body when the vehicle arrived at the funeral hall.
Phra Kru Witurokij Jathorn (Phra Kru Jab), abbot of Nam Daeng Temple, presided over the water-pouring ritual for Aunt Eang's body using the holy thread. Family members, relatives, and representatives from BMTA and the State Railway of Thailand participated in the ceremony amid deep mourning.
Mrs. Jinnnapasuk Boonthong, 64, a friend of Aunt Eang, shared her final chat with her to reporters. In their last conversation, Aunt Eang said she was going for treatment to balance her blood and lymph without any cost but had to take the bus herself. That was the last message before Aunt Eang boarded the bus involved. The friend learned of the accident from the media shortly after and tried calling Aunt Eang, but received no answer.
Mrs. Jinnnapasuk added that on the day of the incident, Aunt Eang messaged several friends inviting them to get health checkups, but none could join due to busy schedules. She reflected that if all had gone, perhaps they might have all perished or all survived, maybe by delaying and waiting. Currently, friends and villagers are gathering money to sponsor the funeral rites tomorrow night.
Mr. Anusorn Manojam, 46, Aunt Eang's son, revealed that his mother usually commuted by bus and skytrain for work from Monday to Friday, believing it was safe. She recently took this bus route because she had jobs in Bangkok. His mother was capable, even working during the earthquake by running errands in Bangkok.
Upon seeing footage of the incident involving his mother, he hoped for a miracle. At the time, he saw injured people but did not see his mother's name among them, only on the list of those awaiting identification, so he was fully convinced she was safe.
Regarding the legal aspect, he praised BMTA for their stance but admitted feeling hurt. Bus drivers must prioritize passenger safety and wait patiently before railway crossings, especially in Bangkok, where traffic jams are common. He hopes his mother's case will be the last and does not want others to lose loved ones. This loss is immense as his mother was both father and mother, raising three children.
Additionally, his mother cared for an ill older brother in Singburi and another bedridden brother in Thepharak. She also looked after a sister-in-law who had a leg injury and a younger brother with poor health. She was the family's pillar, and now they feel shattered.
His mother was happy and about to rest when she disappeared on Saturday night. He followed the news about the incident but had not seen footage of his mother until 9 a.m. when his younger sibling called to report her missing before work. At first, they thought she might be staying at a friend's house, but five minutes later, the sibling asked if he had seen the clip of their mother.
After that, he could not continue working and took time to compose himself before driving from Udon Thani to Bangkok. He does not want such incidents to happen to anyone, especially his mother. BMTA has taken a stance, but he is unsure about other organizations. He lacks legal knowledge but is grateful for the footage showing his mother on the bus; without it, they would not have known her whereabouts amid the fire and chaos. He also thanks rescue workers who carried his mother's body from the vehicle.
He felt heartbroken and deeply saddened after the incident but has started to accept it today. He hopes such events do not recur and calls for stricter traffic control. He urges bus drivers to care for themselves and passengers. Parking across railway tracks is unsafe; it's better to wait patiently. Currently, he notices the railway authority remains silent. He does not seek demands, only hopes for an apology to the public and stricter employee screening before incidents occur. He also notes that Thais tend to forget quickly, recalling how after the earthquake people returned to buildings within days.
Similarly, he will observe whether after the attention fades, incidents of buses stopping on railway tracks at Makkasan intersection recur. Time will reveal the truth about his mother’s case. Thanks to media interest, her loss is recognized; without coverage, she might have been just a small unnoticed casualty. He lacks legal expertise and does not intend to make claims; he simply wants to live a good life, not to sell his story.
Dr. Kittikan Chomduang Jaruwarapolkul, BMTA director, presented initial financial aid to Aunt Eang’s family and explained the procedures and documents required for compensation claims under BMTA regulations. Aunt Eang's son expressed his feelings and called on bus drivers to maintain discipline, especially avoiding stopping on railway tracks. He hopes this tragedy will raise awareness and discipline among bus drivers to prevent future accidents.
As a bereaved family member, he holds no grudges and forgives the bus and train drivers and all involved. He thanked the media for reporting from the incident's start until they located and returned his mother’s body to the temple. Without the CCTV footage showing his mother on the bus, he would not have known her fate as he was not with her. He feels comforted by the support everyone has shown to the family.
The BMTA director stated that he, the management team, and over 50 employees came to pay respects and express condolences to Aunt Eang's family. BMTA will cover all funeral expenses and provide compensation previously announced to the media.
The BMTA executives and staff intend to attend funerals of all victims once locations and schedules are known to convey sympathies to families. Regarding BMTA bus safety measures, they have been increasing awareness and discipline among drivers to enhance passenger safety, strictly enforcing vehicle inspections and maintenance to ensure buses are always safe and ready.
Concerning disciplinary actions for BMTA staff, the organization confirms clear policies and penalties exist. If employees or drivers violate discipline or receive passenger complaints, disciplinary investigations will be conducted and appropriate measures strictly enforced.
The family has scheduled the funeral rites for Aunt Eang until the night of Friday, 22 May, with cremation to follow on Saturday at 17:00.