Makkasan Police Station detained the railway driver and flag operator involved in the incident and took them to court for remand. The railway driver appeared stressed, wearing a mask and with red eyes, and did not answer media questions. Meanwhile, the flag operator raised his hands in apology to the families of the deceased, affirming that he gave the flag signals and pressed the button to lower the barrier.
This morning (18 Mar 2026 GMT+7), it was reported that investigators at Makkasan Police Station summoned Mr. Sayomporn, the train driver involved in the collision with a bus, and Mr. Uthen, the railway barrier controller, to the station to be taken to court for remand on charges of “negligence causing death and serious injury” following the train-bus collision near the Airport Rail Link Makkasan station on Asoke-Din Daeng Road.
While being escorted into the police transport vehicle, officers brought Mr. Uthen, the barrier operator, out first. Mr. Uthen raised his hands in apology to the victims’ families, admitting his guilt and affirming that he had waved the red flag and stood with his back turned to press the button lowering the barrier. He also stated he had signaled the train driver to stop and insisted he was not negligent. When asked whether he had spoken with the train driver, he did not respond.
Afterwards, police escorted Mr. Sayomporn, the train driver, into the vehicle. Mr. Sayomporn wore a mask and kept his head down throughout. Reporters tried to ask why he did not stop the train, whether he saw the light and flag signals, why he denied negligence, whether he had used drugs before driving since tests showed drug substances, if he was conscious while driving, whether he felt remorse, or if he wished to apologize or say anything given that his actions led to eight deaths. He remained silent, gave no answers, and kept his head bowed the entire time.
Reporters also noted that Mr. Sayomporn’s eyes were deeply red and his expression tense before the police vehicle departed immediately for the court.
The investigators opposed bail for both defendants during the investigation and at the court stage.