Investigators are preparing to reboard the train to collect additional evidence and to consider the issue of the train's weight. They have identified owners of three vehicles that were parked blocking the train tracks. Meanwhile, the family is holding a ritual to invite the spirit of "Nong Elle" and prepare to bring her body back to her hometown in Chiang Mai.
At Makkasan Police Station at 09:30 on 21 May, Pol Maj Gen Somkuan Phungsap, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, along with Pol Col Kampol Rattanaprateep, Deputy Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1, Pol Col Sakya Saengwan, Deputy Commander of Division 1, Pol Col Uramphon Khundechsamrit, Superintendent of Makkasan Police Station, investigative teams from Division 1 and Makkasan Police Station held a meeting to follow up on the case. Yesterday, the investigative team conducted a simulation on the train to observe the driver’s perspective during the incident.
Pol Col Kampol Rattanaprateep, Commander of Division 1, said after the meeting that yesterday’s simulation was to observe the environment and how far the driver could see the signal flags and lights. The investigators could visually confirm seeing five white signal lights at a very long distance, indicating the track ahead was clear. They also checked the functionality of various equipment. Currently, experts analyzing the train’s speedometer and black box are providing statements to investigators, with updates expected later this evening.
The investigative team is currently reviewing data from 10 minutes before the incident to examine the actions of all involved, including the train driver, mechanic, maintenance staff, and environmental factors. They plan to compile the findings into detailed segments for thorough analysis.
There have been public questions regarding the simulation conducted yesterday differing from the actual incident day, as the train involved in the accident was carrying several tons of cargo, but the simulation used a passenger-only train. Questions have been raised about the validity of this approach.
Pol Col Kampol added that the simulation was not focused on the train’s weight or braking system. The team is considering whether to conduct another simulation to collect additional evidence. They also plan to summon braking system experts for questioning soon.
However, investigators have identified the owners of three vehicles that were parked blocking the train tracks on the accident day. The motorcycle owners are still being identified. To ensure fairness, they are reviewing CCTV footage to determine which vehicles were parked on the tracks first. Next week, investigators expect to summon 46-year-old train driver Sayomphon Suankul for additional charges after drug tests detected amphetamines and cannabis in his urine, along with consideration of other related offenses.
Pol Col Kampol further stated that among the eight fatalities, one body remains unclaimed with no DNA comparison requests. He urged anyone who suspects they may be relatives or acquaintances of missing persons to contact Makkasan Police Station or Ratchathewi District Police to request DNA comparison for identification.
Meanwhile, at 10:00, relatives of Ms. Supaporn Jongjit, or "Elle," 34, a beauty clinic manager in the Rama 9 area and a victim, contacted investigators at Makkasan Police Station to obtain documents for receiving her body. They planned to collect the body from the Police Hospital Forensic Institute to hold a funeral at Wat Nam Phrae, Nam Phrae Subdistrict, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai, with assistance provided by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority staff.
Subsequently, Elle’s family invited monks from Wat Nam Daeng, Samut Prakan Province, brought food offerings, and conducted a ritual to invite her spirit at the location where the damaged bus was moved for storage at the Rama 9 bus depot parking lot on Watthanatham Road, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok, and at the accident site near the Airport Rail Link Makkasan Station on Asok-Din Daeng Road, Makkasan Subdistrict, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok.
Mr. Phuriphath Jongjit, 37, Elle’s brother, said the family is awaiting procedures at the Police Hospital Forensic Institute and expects to receive her body by this afternoon before returning it to Chiang Mai for the funeral.
When asked about the incident, Mr. Phuriphath described it as an accident that should not have happened, reflecting shortcomings in public transportation safety standards. He called for relevant agencies to enforce stricter discipline checks, driver conduct monitoring, and comprehensive training both in theory and practice. He warned that having regulations without proper enforcement could lead to similar tragedies.
He added that seeing the wreckage of the bus deeply saddened him, as it was completely destroyed by fire. He found it unbearable to witness the damage. Regarding compensation, he admitted the family is concerned since no amount of compensation can replace his sister’s life or heal the psychological damage.
He urged relevant authorities to enhance safety discipline enforcement and inspections to prevent future tragedies.
Mr. Phuriphath shared his close bond with his sister, saying they grew up together with a loving and close relationship. She was a lovely person who always kept him informed of her whereabouts and often sought his advice on life matters, with him acting as her protective older brother.
He described Elle as the family's pillar, dedicated to improving their quality of life through hard work. Their last conversation was earlier this month when he visited her clinic; she told him, “Next month I will move to a new place.” At the time, he thought nothing of it, but after the accident, he found the words strangely ominous. He also sensed she looked less cheerful than usual during that last meeting, with a dimmer expression and eyes that lacked her usual happiness. That image remains vividly in his mind.