The Nakhon Ratchasima Office of the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) conducted an on-site follow-up of the incident where a high-speed rail construction crane fell onto a train in Sikhiu District. They coordinated with the construction insurance companies to oversee benefits and track compensation payments to families.
On 14 January 2026, the special express train No. 21 from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani was struck by a crane used for high-speed rail construction at approximately 09:30 near railway kilometer 220, marker 9, Moo 11, Ban Thanon Kot, Sikhiu Subdistrict, Sikhiu District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The crash caused one train carriage to derail and another to catch fire. Initial reports confirmed 29 fatalities and 67 injuries. To ensure proper, complete, swift, and fair insurance benefit protection, measures were taken immediately.
Mr. Chuchat Pramulpol, Secretary-General of the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), ordered Ms. Amornrat Sirinantakul, Director of the Nakhon Ratchasima OIC Office, to urgently visit the site to monitor the situation, provide preliminary insurance assistance, and quickly gather damage reports via the electronic Group or Major Incident Reporting Platform to support systematic insurance aid considerations.
Following the Nakhon Ratchasima OIC Office's site visit, they coordinated with the relevant construction insurers: Dhipaya Insurance Public Company Limited covering 60%, Bangkok Insurance Public Company Limited covering 20%, and Intra Insurance Public Company Limited covering 20%. Dhipaya Insurance has deployed staff to the area to monitor the situation, verify insurance coverage and policy details, and coordinate claims processing to ensure accuracy, completeness, speed, and fairness.
Regarding compensation to the families of the deceased, investigations are ongoing by the authorities. For the injured patients currently hospitalized, the OIC has coordinated with insurers to facilitate direct payment agreements with hospitals, so patients do not need to advance medical expenses. They are closely monitoring claim processing to ensure timely assistance for those affected.
The OIC expresses deep condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured in this incident and mourns the tragic event. The office stands ready to provide full insurance facilitation and will update the public as developments arise. For additional information or insurance issues, the public may contact the OIC hotline at 1186.