Prime Minister Anutin and Minister Pipat visited Si Khio after a construction crane fell onto Special Express Train No. 21, expressing sorrow for the losses and ordering urgent care for passengers and those affected. Meanwhile, the Acting State Railway of Thailand governor ordered a fact-finding committee be established to complete its investigation within 15 days and affirmed that legal action would be pursued thoroughly.
Today (14 Jan 2026), Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Chayatham Prommas, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport Pichet Kunathumrak, and Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Anan Phonimdaeng, acting as SRT governor, visited Nakhon Ratchasima Province to assist and monitor care for those injured in the accident involving a construction crane from Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited. The crane was working on the high-speed rail project contracts 3-4, civil works between Lam Takhong – Si Khio and Kut Chik – Khok Kruat sections, when it fell onto Special Express Train No. 21 traveling from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Ubon Ratchathani.
The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport ordered the State Railway of Thailand and the contractor to expedite compensation and assistance for passengers and those affected by the incident in the best possible manner, including consideration of additional compensation and aid. The SRT was assigned to coordinate with its board to review and adjust compensation measures and amounts to be more appropriate and generous than current provisions. The contractor company was also directed to share full responsibility for providing the best possible assistance.
Simultaneously, orders were given to promptly reopen the affected rail route as soon as possible, prioritizing safety to resume service and minimize travel disruptions for the public. The Department of Highways was tasked to facilitate the deployment of machinery and equipment to the site fully. Arrangements were also made to provide vehicles to transport injured individuals and deceased persons back to their hometowns, as well as to offer close support and assistance to the victims’ families in all aspects.
Acting SRT Governor Anan added that the incident occurred at 09:13 while the train was passing between Nong Nam Khun and Si Khio stations. The construction crane fell onto the second and third passenger cars, causing the train to derail and catch fire. So far, 32 people have died and 66 were injured. Authorities have rushed the injured to Si Khio, Sung Noen, and Pak Chong Nana hospitals. Some deceased remain trapped inside the train cars, and plans are underway to recover their bodies from the wreckage.
The Acting SRT Governor presented initial aid baskets and financial support to the injured and pledged to cover medical expenses until recovery. Regarding compensation for the deceased, the SRT will follow the Prime Minister’s instructions and consult with its board to determine fair and appropriate assistance amounts and guidelines that comprehensively cover those affected.
He also ordered the establishment of a fact-finding committee to urgently investigate the cause of the incident and complete the inquiry within 15 days. Legal action will be strictly pursued against all parties involved, continuing until the case is fully resolved.
Furthermore, the contractor company was ordered to halt all operations at the site until the investigation concludes. A disaster relief coordination center has been set up at the incident location, staffed by relevant officials around the clock to facilitate assistance and provide continuous situation updates.
The State Railway of Thailand expresses deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the injured, and all affected by this incident. It apologizes for the loss and inconvenience caused and reaffirms that passenger and public safety remain its highest priority mission.