"Teng" emphasized that the Asok-Phetchaburi train-bus collision should be viewed from a systemic perspective, taking the opportunity to implement major reforms to prevent repeated losses. Meanwhile, Suphanat, Chair of the Transport Committee, has scheduled a meeting on 20 May to demand explanations from nine agencies, review CCTV footage, and follow up on victim compensation and assistance.
18 May 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, spoke at the third Shadow Cabinet meeting held at the Parliament building, expressing condolences to the families of those lost in the train collision with a public bus at the Asok-Phetchaburi intersection on 15 May. He also thanked all officials who swiftly assisted and controlled the situation.
Mr. Natthapong continued that the People’s Party immediately monitored the situation upon learning of the incident, led by Mr. Chaiwat Sathawornwijit, prospective candidate for Bangkok Governor, and Mr. Seksit Yaemsanguansak, Member of Parliament for Bangkok’s 2nd District (Ratchathewi, Pathumwan, Sathorn), who spread information to facilitate tracking and identification of the injured and deceased. Mr. Seksit also raised concerns directly to the Prime Minister about the dangerous railway crossing at Rajprarop nearby, which poses similar risks and urgently needs fixing.
Although many facts point to individual error as the main cause of the incident, he urged society to prepare systemic preventive measures to avoid repeated tragedies. He proposed the government use existing tools for a major overhaul to prevent such accidents by appointing a "Rail Accident and Incident Investigation Committee." This committee should have been established since the enforcement of the Rail Transport Act on 27 December 2025, but no progress has been made. If appointed, the committee would have direct responsibility for impartial and transparent fact-finding investigations. It must produce a report summarizing the true causes, preventive recommendations, and clearly identify responsible agencies without withholding information or protecting allies, to prevent future recurrences.
Simultaneously, Mr. Natthapong suggested the government proceed with the Missing Link railway project, which the Cabinet approved in 2016. Advancing this project would systematically resolve the complex physical and safety issues at the Asok-Phetchaburi intersection, eliminating hazardous level crossings that currently pose accident risks.
Regarding next steps, Mr. Natthapong stated that the People’s Party would leverage the Transport Committee, chaired by Mr. Suphanat Meenchainan, which will convene on 20 May 2026 to summon relevant agencies for explanations. These agencies include the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), Department of Rail Transport, Department of Land Transport, Makkasan Metropolitan Police Station, Road Safety Fund, Bangkok Traffic and Transport Department, Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, and the Office of Insurance Commission.
The committee will cover key points including incident details, cause investigations, data for problem-solving, traffic law enforcement, traffic management, and enhanced safety measures in the area. It will also monitor the Rajprarop railway crossing nearby, which faces similar conditions, to assess risks and advocate for preventive action before another incident occurs.
Beyond investigating the accident’s causes, the committee will oversee the compensation process, insurance claims, and other entitled rights. It calls for establishing a One Stop Service center to consolidate and coordinate all victim rights in one location, reducing difficulties for victims and their families during the compensation process.