"Trinuch" Reveals that a crane on the high-speed railway construction collapsed onto a train in Sikhiu District. The project was carried out by Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited. Ten workers were on site during the incident, with one missing.
On 14 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, spoke about the crane collapse onto a high-speed train in Sikhiu District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. She stated that officials from the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Labour Protection and Welfare Office, along with the Occupational Safety Center Region 3, have inspected the accident site at the high-speed train construction project contract 3-4, covering Lam Takhong to Sikhiu and Kut Chik to Khok Kruat segments near Ban Khod Road, Sikhiu Subdistrict, Sikhiu District.
The investigation found that a crane used to lift cement for the high-speed train fell onto three train carriages of train number 21 running from Bangkok Aphiwat to Ubon Ratchathani, causing a fire. This resulted in 27 deaths and 79 injuries. Among those working at the time were 10 employees of Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (ITD), with one reported missing; it is not yet confirmed if this person is deceased.
Regarding insured workers, their status is under verification. Deceased employees’ families are entitled to compensation from the Workmen's Compensation Fund, including funeral expenses of 50,000 baht paid to the funeral manager and monthly death benefits at 70% of the wage for 10 years. Injured workers are entitled to medical expenses as necessary per ministerial regulations, compensation for loss of limbs at 70% of wages payable for up to 10 years, compensation for work stoppage at 70% of wages, and permanent disability benefits at 70% of wages for life.
Ms. Trinuch expressed her deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and to those injured. She assured that facts will be promptly investigated. She emphasized that the Ministry of Labour has instructed its agencies, particularly the Social Security Office, to ensure all insured workers receive their legal benefits to boost morale and to clearly inform relatives about assistance and compensation. The Ministry will protect and support all workers and expedite rightful assistance without delay.
Relatives of deceased workers can obtain further information at their provincial Social Security Office or by calling the Ministry of Labour hotline at 1506, press 1 for the Social Security Office.