A statement on the 'train collides with bus' incident was made by Siripong, who affirmed that fault will be assigned according to who is actually at fault. The State Railway Governor admitted the barrier gate failed to lower, while BMTA is preparing compensation for the injured and deceased, up to 1.5 million baht in total.
At 19:30 on 16 May 2026, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, reported on the situation, summarizing the accident involving freight train number 2126 from Laem Chabang to Bang Sue colliding with BMTA bus line 206 near the Asok-Phetchaburi intersection, as previously reported since the afternoon.
The collision resulted in 8 deaths and 32 injuries, classified as 15 green cases, 15 yellow, and 2 red. The Prime Minister instructed the Minister of Public Health to ensure the best care for the injured. The forensic team will spend about one hour collecting evidence and identifying victims before allowing the bus to be moved. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority has prepared a crane, and the State Railway has arranged a locomotive. It is expected that the road will be reopened to the public within two hours.
The next steps are divided into three parts: fact-finding regarding the barrier gate failure, which will be handled by the State Railway; BMTA will investigate whether the bus driving complied with its operational procedures; and traffic-related legal matters will be handled by police investigators to determine negligence or fault.
Mr. Siripong added that he understands public concern, but the Ministry of Transport confirms its commitment to safety, especially in public transport, with ongoing efforts emphasizing safety policies.
He acknowledged that since the accident involved errors, those responsible must be identified. Moving forward, the ministry will enforce laws more strictly and severely to maximize safety for life and property. The issue of risky locations has been assigned to the State Railway Governor, who must report back by Wednesday.
He personally assured that there will be no blame shifting; those at fault will be held accountable accordingly. The railway and bus sides will each investigate their own faults and actions. Legal proceedings will determine fault based on evidence. The ministry does not decide who is right or wrong; that depends on the full evidence.
Mr. Anan Phonnimdaeng, Deputy Governor and Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, expressed condolences over the incident. He said the priority is to reopen the road as soon as possible. After the forensic team completes their work, the railway will expedite the process. Meanwhile, passenger trains stranded at Hua Lamphong Station have been transported to their destinations.
The initial cause was that the barrier gate and railway tracks are side by side, and the gate could not be lowered because a vehicle was stuck on the tracks. Normally, trains prohibit vehicles from stopping within 5 meters on either side of the tracks. In this case, the gate could not be lowered, and a train was approaching and could not stop in time. The railway will investigate the train driver’s conduct and related staff, and will review the train’s speed recordings.
Mr. Kittikarn Chomduang Jaruwarapolkul, Director of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, expressed deepest condolences. He explained that the BMTA bus was operating in regular traffic approaching the railway crossing near the Asok intersection. Initially, there are 8 fatalities and 32 injured.
Regarding BMTA’s responsibility, they have insurance with Muang Thai Insurance and third-party liability coverage. Compensation for deceased victims will be up to 1.5 million baht. Injured victims will receive initial assistance of about 80,000 baht up to a maximum of 500,000 baht. BMTA is expediting preparations to provide aid to all affected individuals. The Deputy Minister of Transport has instructed to visit and support the injured and clearly accept full responsibility.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the names of the 8 deceased have not been fully confirmed yet. Relatives of the deceased or those still missing who were passengers on BMTA bus line 206 from Bang Na to Bang Khen are asked to contact the Director of Ratchathewi District at 063-918-7654.