The Prime Minister revealed after visiting the injured from the train-bus collision that he requested police to detain both drivers for investigation to determine the cause, emphasizing that actions must proceed according to the law. He ordered the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) to provide maximum compensation. He disclosed that the driver and conductor feel remorseful and their mental state is very poor.
17 May 2026 GMT+7 Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, gave an interview following his visit to those injured in the incident where a train collided with a bus at the Asoke-Din Daeng railway crossing. He said he has already provided guidance and that now it depends on the investigation results and whether insurance will compensate. He has given instructions to the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Those injured and deceased faced this incident while using public services provided by the state. He told the directors of both agencies that these services are not free; fares are collected. Therefore, full responsibility must be taken to the utmost extent the two agencies can manage.
Regarding the progress of the case, the Prime Minister said he asked the police investigators to detain both drivers involved, which the police are already doing for both the SRT and BMTA drivers. He believes the Minister of Transport will expedite the investigation into the cause, and all procedures must follow the law.
On the psychological condition of the injured, Anutin stated, no one’s mental state is good because the incident happened suddenly and was severe. Everyone has trauma. Medically, this is known as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), which requires treatment for both physical injuries and psychological trauma. He said he visited all victims, including passengers, motorcyclists, pickup truck drivers near the bus, and especially the bus driver and conductor, whose mental conditions are very poor. They feel remorseful. He believes no one wants such an incident to occur. Now, they must be supported to recover physically, while legal matters proceed according to the law.
When asked about preventive measures at similar railway crossings to avoid repeat incidents, the Prime Minister said that investigation results must be awaited. Although he has not yet seen the results, he believes there are existing methods and measures because this intersection is always congested. Reviewing old CCTV footage shows trains stopping when routes are obstructed, and this situation cannot continue. Measures to reduce the number of crossings must be found.
On restoring confidence among tourists and the public, Anutin said it is too early to address that. He thinks after the investigation results, changes such as rerouting may be necessary. For now, ensuring 100% safety to prevent recurrence is key, whether due to negligence or not. Options like tunneling should be considered because this is an intersection, and all such locations need review. He instructed the State Railway not to rely solely on stationmasters or signal operators because human error can always occur. They will not accept any risk from human error and must find alternative solutions.
Regarding compensation figures for the injured and deceased, the Prime Minister said he has provided guidance after meeting them. Last night, he had not yet discussed with the two agencies’ executives but instructed them to apply the maximum measures possible. After visiting the injured, agencies including the Ministry of Transport, BMTA, SRT, and insurance representatives met with the Prime Minister. Reports indicate that during his visit, both the train and bus drivers wept, expressing deep sorrow throughout the conversation.
Ratchada Thanadirek, spokeswoman for the Office of the Prime Minister, disclosed that the Prime Minister closely visited and encouraged six injured individuals, spoke with doctors about their conditions, and offered support to the patients’ families. He emphasized that relevant agencies must provide care and compensation comprehensively, including insurance rights, assistance funds, and access to benefits fairly and thoroughly. He asked families not to worry, assuring that the government and all involved agencies are fully prepared to provide medical care and compensation to ensure the best support for those affected.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister also thanked the priests and medical team at Camillian Hospital, which treated most of the injured. He stated that the incident was something no one wanted to happen, and he visited with a heavy heart. He confirmed that the SRT and BMTA will jointly care for medical treatment and compensation for those affected, including the families of the deceased, since this was an accident occurring during the provision of public services, for which the government must take full responsibility.
