The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will provide initial compensation of 80,000 baht to each person who died in the crane collapse incident involving a train in Nakhon Ratchasima, while Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited awaits its assessment.
On 14 Jan 2026, a crane from the high-speed rail construction project collapsed onto the Diesel Railcar Express No. 21 passenger train at the railway near Ban Thanon Kot, between Nong Nam Khun and Sikhio stations in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The train was traveling from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station toward Ubon Ratchathani Station. This construction segment is part of civil engineering contracts 3-4 covering Lam Takhong to Sikhio and Kut Chik to Khok Kruat, under the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail contracts 3-4, executed by Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited. As of December 2025, construction progress was at 99.54%.
Mr. Anan Phonimdaeng, Deputy Governor and Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), stated that the SRT has clearly defined assistance and compensation measures for those affected. Each deceased victim's family will receive 40,000 baht for funeral expenses plus an additional 40,000 baht as initial assistance.
Additionally, Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited holds an insurance coverage amounting to 50 million baht. However, detailed assessment from the insurance representatives who will inspect the accident site around 4 p.m. today is still pending before compensation payments can be evaluated.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.