Labor Minister Trinuch expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the crane collapse onto the train, instructed all parties to care for the injured, and urged the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare to promptly verify insured workers and safeguard their legal benefits.
On 14 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, spoke about the crane collapse incident involving the high-speed train construction in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. She said officials from the Nakhon Ratchasima Labour Protection and Welfare Office, along with the Occupational Safety Center Region 3, have inspected the site at the high-speed train construction project contract 3-4, covering the Lam Takhong-Sikhio and Kutjik Khok Kruat sections near Ban Khod Road, Sikhio Subdistrict, Sikhio District.
The inspection found that a crane used to lift cement for the high-speed train fell onto three train carriages of train number 21, Bangkok-Aphiwat to Ubon Ratchathani, causing a fire and resulting in 27 deaths and 79 injuries. Among those working at the time, 10 were employees of Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited, with one still missing and unconfirmed whether deceased.
Verification of insured workers’ status is ongoing. Employees who died are entitled to compensation from the Workmen's Compensation Fund, including 50,000 baht funeral expenses paid to the funeral manager, and monthly death compensation at 70% of wages for 10 years. Injured employees are entitled to medical expenses reimbursed as necessary under the ministry regulations, compensation for loss of limbs at 70% of wages for up to 10 years, compensation for work stoppage at 70% of wages, and lifelong compensation at 70% of wages if disabled.
Ms. Trinuch added her deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and those injured in this incident. She said an immediate fact-finding investigation will be conducted. She instructed all units under the Ministry of Labour, especially the Social Security Office, to ensure the legal rights of insured workers are upheld to boost morale and provide clear information about assistance to relatives. She assured that the Ministry of Labour will protect and support all workers and expedite the delivery of rightful benefits according to the law.
Relatives of deceased employees can inquire for more details at the provincial Social Security Office or call the Ministry of Labour hotline at 1506, press 1 for the Social Security Office.
